“[F]ulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:2-4
In a timely story published recently in the Wheeling Register for Marathon Monday (aka the Boston Marathon), the paper highlighted a trio of local Ohio runners—Nikkol Zanes, Thomas Karrasch, and Cole Wright—who stepped up to the starting line of the world’s most iconic 26.2-mile race.
As someone who’s had the blessing of running the Boston Marathon three times, I can tell you—qualifying is no small feat. Often dubbed “the Super Bowl of running,” Boston requires runners to meet strict qualifying times based on age and gender. Only about thirteen percent of marathoners ever make the cut.
The three runners in the story agreed—getting there wasn’t easy. But they also shared that the journey was made possible by the people who ran it with them.
“Without these guys helping, and the whole group, the community—I mean, we have a pretty big running community here,” Karrasch said. “I run with Nikkol, she’s part of it. Cole’s a big runner. We see him out there all the time passing. It’s a great community as far as running goes.”
And you know, the benefits of surrounding yourself with like-minded people aren’t just found in the running world. They’re just as essential—maybe even more so—in our walk with Christ. This is exactly why Paul exhorted the church at Philippi to be united in purpose, saying:
“Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:2
In the race of faith, Paul wanted believers to understand the strength and encouragement that comes from fellowship. Together, we grow, we endure, and we become more like Jesus—because of the love, accountability, and encouragement we receive from one another.
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24
In running, there’s usually one winner. But in the Christian life, every believer is called to run like a champion—to give it our all in pursuit of the eternal prize.
But here’s the key: We’re not running for our own selfish ambition. Instead, we are running in the unity of the Body of Christ for HIS glory.
Paul continues in Philippians:
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
This means that while we run to win, we remember that we are on the same team! We come alongside our brothers and sisters and we support them. We Encourage them and help them push through when they’re tired—or when we’re tired. And, we remind each other to lay aside every weight and sin that slows us down and to keep our eyes on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith.”
“…let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together… but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
And here’s something we do not do—we do not run alone. Just as someone training for Boston can’t afford to skip group runs if they want to succeed, believers can’t neglect meeting together if they hope to grow and endure in faith. Fellowship is not optional—it’s vital. It’s what keeps us strong when the road gets tough. It’s what reminds us of the prize and helps us press on, even when it hurts. And it’s what points us to the ultimate finish line—not a banner in Boston, but the glory of heaven.
So, as someone who not only runs beside fellow believers but makes intentional time to fellowship with them—I’ll tell you this—crossing the spiritual finish line with the greatest prizes becomes exponentially greater when you surround yourself with people who love Jesus like you do.
If you don’t have a church family—find one. And if you’ve drifted from regular fellowship—now’s the time to lace up your spiritual shoes and get back in the race.
The Day is approaching, and the finish line is in sight. Let’s run together—strong and steady—all the way home.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we were never meant to run this race alone. Help us to understand that we are to encourage, uplift, support, and run alongside our brothers and sisters so that we all might reach the finish line together. Stir up a fire within us Lord by reminding us that there will be time to work after the Day, so we must be busy now. It’s in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
