Am I Doing My Best?

John Baker was an unlikely candidate to become a respected track star. He was not very well built, much shorter than other members of the track team and appeared to be uncoordinated. But something happened.

During his junior year in high school the coaches wanted his best friend to join the track team. He refused. When John learned of this he said, “Let me join and maybe he’ll come with me.” They agreed to John’s suggestion and both boys began running track together.

At the first cross country track event most eyes were focused on the state champion, Lloyd Goff. When the race began, he quickly took the lead. But as the racers approached the finish line, one runner was far in front of the others. The coach turned to his assistant and said, “Here comes Goff.” Taking his binoculars he looked and said, “Wow! It’s not Goff - it’s Baker.”

After the race the coach asked Baker how he was able to win the race. “I focused on the runner in front of me and said, ‘Am I doing my best?’ And when I passed him I said that about the next one in front of me until I passed them all.”

All of us who profess to be Christians need to ask ourselves constantly: “Am I doing my best for Christ?”

Prayer: You have given us so much, Father, that we sometimes forget what we have and what we can do for You. May we do more for You today than we did yesterday. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.