Running Life's Race: Embracing Blessings and Challenges

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing the Divine Image in All People

Gregory of Nyssa's stance against slavery was revolutionary for his time, as he emphasized the inherent dignity of every human being created in the image of God. This perspective challenges us to confront systemic injustices and to live in a way that honors God's will for humanity. By recognizing the divine image in others, we are called to advocate for justice and equality, ensuring that all people are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. This call to action is not just about addressing external systems but also about examining our own hearts and attitudes toward others. [01:20]

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life do you struggle to see as made in the image of God? How can you begin to change your perspective and actions toward them today?

Day 2: Cultivating Gratitude Amidst Life's Challenges

The concept of headwind/tailwind asymmetry highlights our tendency to focus more on life's challenges than its blessings. This bias can lead to feelings of entitlement and a lack of gratitude for the many ways God has blessed us. By recognizing this tendency, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude, acknowledging the tailwinds that propel us forward. Reflecting on the blessings in our lives, such as the gift of life, the beauty of creation, and the love of those around us, can transform our perspective and help us appreciate God's goodness. [03:21]

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)

Reflection: What are three specific blessings in your life that you often overlook? How can you express gratitude for them today?

Day 3: Embracing Challenges as Opportunities for Growth

Life's headwinds, or challenges, are often seen as obstacles to overcome. However, Gregory of Nyssa encourages us to view these difficulties as opportunities for growth and strengthening our faith. By embracing life's challenges, we can develop resilience and character, pressing on toward the goal of our heavenly calling. This perspective shifts our focus from lamenting our struggles to seeing them as integral parts of our journey toward virtue and a deeper relationship with God. [08:24]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one current challenge you are facing? How can you reframe it as an opportunity for growth in your faith journey?

Day 4: Pursuing True Perfection Through Friendship with God

True perfection, according to Gregory of Nyssa, is not about achieving external success or rewards but about becoming God's friend. This relationship is not based on fear or transactional exchanges but on genuine love and desire for God's presence. By focusing on the intrinsic value of knowing and being known by God, we can shift our priorities from worldly achievements to spiritual growth and intimacy with our Creator. This pursuit of true perfection invites us to deepen our relationship with God, seeking His presence above all else. [09:25]

"Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'" (Jeremiah 9:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways are you currently seeking to know God more deeply? How can you prioritize this relationship in your daily life?

Day 5: Recognizing God's Blessings as Our Greatest Support

As we run the race of life, it is essential to be mindful of the tailwinds—God's blessings—that support us. Gratitude for these blessings can transform our perspective, reminding us that God is our friend and greatest ally. By acknowledging the ways God has blessed us, we can find strength and encouragement to continue running the race with perseverance and hope. This awareness of God's presence and support can inspire us to live with gratitude and joy, knowing that we are never alone in our journey. [10:23]

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation." (Psalm 68:19, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally acknowledge and thank God for His blessings in your life today? What difference might this make in your outlook and actions?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, I want to encourage you to keep running the race of life, drawing inspiration from Gregory of Nyssa, a profound theologian from the 4th century. Gregory, along with his brother St. Basil and another Gregory, were known as the Cappadocian Fathers. He was a pioneer in speaking against slavery, emphasizing that if humans are made in the image of God, they should not be bought or sold. This perspective challenges us to consider the systemic injustices in our world and to strive for a life that reflects God's will.

Gregory loved the metaphor of life as a race, urging us to run our best despite the challenges. He faced significant hardships, including family persecution for their faith. In our lives, we often experience what social scientists call the "headwind/tailwind asymmetry," where we are more aware of our struggles (headwinds) than our blessings (tailwinds). This bias can lead us to feel entitled, overlooking the many ways God has blessed us.

Reflect on the tailwinds in your life—those blessings that propel you forward. Consider the gift of life, the beauty of creation, and the love of those around you. Gregory of Nyssa's words remind us to be grateful for these blessings and to embrace the headwinds as opportunities for growth. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment, encouraging us to press on toward the goal of our heavenly calling.

Ultimately, the greatest tailwind is our relationship with God. Gregory of Nyssa describes true perfection as becoming God's friend, not out of fear or for reward, but out of genuine love and desire for His presence. As we run this race, let us be mindful of the blessings and challenges, knowing that God is our friend and greatest supporter.

Key Takeaways

1. Gregory of Nyssa's stance against slavery reminds us of the importance of recognizing the image of God in every person and challenging systemic injustices. This calls us to live a life that aligns with God's will for humanity. [01:20]
2. The headwind/tailwind asymmetry highlights our tendency to focus on life's challenges rather than its blessings. Recognizing this bias can help us cultivate gratitude and avoid entitlement, acknowledging the many ways God has blessed us. [03:21]
3. Embracing life's headwinds as opportunities for growth strengthens our faith and character. Instead of lamenting difficulties, we can view them as part of our race toward virtue and a deeper relationship with God. [08:24]
4. True perfection and growth come from becoming God's friend, not through fear or transactional relationships. This perspective shifts our focus from external rewards to the intrinsic value of knowing and being known by God. [09:25]
5. As we run the race of life, let us be mindful of the tailwinds—God's blessings—that support us. Gratitude for these blessings can transform our perspective, reminding us that God is our friend and greatest ally. [10:23]
** [10:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - Introduction to Gregory of Nyssa
[01:05] - Gregory's Stance Against Slavery
[01:46] - Life as a Race
[02:16] - Headwind/Tailwind Asymmetry
[03:21] - Recognizing Our Bias
[04:05] - Perception of Challenges
[05:03] - The Bible's Tailwinds
[06:00] - Gregory's Encouragement
[07:16] - Embracing Headwinds
[08:24] - Pressing Toward the Goal
[09:11] - True Perfection
[10:23] - Gratitude for Tailwinds
[10:51] - God as Our Friend
[11:10] - Community Invitation

Sermon Clips

Gregory of Nissa loved the image of a race that all of us are running and that we are to run our best in and that's what I want to talk about for a few moments and talk about why it often seems so difficult it was for Gregory of Nissa he had a grandparent who was martyred for their faith and his parents lost were told all their goods for their faith so life was not easy. [00:01:46]

The cognitive bias is this that we have a tendency to be much more aware of headwinds obstacles difficulties challenges than we do to be aware of Tailwinds um that which is behind us benefits things that help our lives and part of what that means then is very often we think that life is harder for us than it is for other people. [00:03:21]

We all tend to notice our headwinds and think that life is really difficult for us and ignore the Tailwinds and that means that we can become easily uh entitled cuz I don't notice all the ways the Bible's word for a Tailwind is blessing all the way that God has blessed us for example why are you here how did you get a body how did you get a life you and I didn't earn that that's a gift. [00:05:03]

At horse races The Spectators intent on Victory shout to their favorites in the contest even though the horses are eager to run from the stands they participate in the race with their eyes thinking to incite the charot teer to Keener effort I love you know 1500 plus years ago spiritual advice from the horse race. [00:06:00]

I exhort urge and encourage you vigorously to increase your speed and that's what I want to do today you are running a race and I want to encourage you and me because when I say these words to you they come back to me it is part of the nature of the spiritual life you have to give it away and able to keep it. [00:07:16]

Ingratitude is this sense of entitlement we live in this extraordinary world with this unbelievable life and very quickly we think that uh it is something that we are do old expression says there are people who are born on third base and they think they hit a triple so today uh notice the Tailwinds all the way in which right now God has blessed me. [00:09:11]

Instead of saying God why is my life so hard I'm getting stronger God I'm in this race for virtue in this race towards you the race the story of your life matter that's why Paul says in words that Gregory of Nissa uh loved uh this one thing I do not that I've already attained Perfection but forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead I press on toward the mark for which God has called me Heavenly. [00:08:24]

Since the goal of The Virtuous way of life is the very thing we have been seeking it is time for you Noble friend to be known by God and become his friend it's time for you today to be known by God and become his friend this is True Perfection true growth uh not to avoid a wicked life because like slaves We suril Fear punishment nor to do good because we hope for rewards. [00:09:25]

On the contrary disregarding all those things for which we hope and which have been reserved by promise we regard falling from God's friendship as the only thing Dreadful and we consider becoming God's friend the only thing worthy of honor and desire as your understanding is lifted up to what is magnificent and divine whatever you find and I know full well you will find many things. [00:10:23]

Notice the Tailwinds oh God thank you thank you thank you for in this moment this blessing that I don't deserve you are with me Jesus said that the spirit which is the same word for the wind blows wherever it will it is at your back today no life will blow many hwis embrace the headwinds I will keep running the race I will get stronger. [00:11:10]

I will remember above all and recall it to mine when I forget it God is your friend the maker of all of this the father of our crucified and Risen Savior Jesus he is your dearest friend. [00:10:51]

You are running a race and I want to encourage you and me because when I say these words to you they come back to me it is part of the nature of the spiritual life you have to give it away and able to keep it as you lightf footedly leap from one moment to the next recognize the Tailwinds. [00:07:16]

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