The Tortoise and the Hare
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
“How is it with my spiritual journey? Am I laboring up the hill of my own works and down into the ravines of my own humiliations and resolutions, or do I run by the plain way of “Believe and live”?” – C.H. Spurgeon
We all know the story of the Tortoise and the Hare, one of Aesop’s most popular fables. Long story short, the fast-moving hare gets off to a quick start and opens up a huge lead over his competitor, the slow-moving tortoise. In fact, the hare is so confident of winning that he decides to take a nap mid-race. However, while the hare dozes, the tortoise keeps plodding along, narrowing the gap. By the time the hare awakens from his slumber, it is too late, and the tortoise has already crossed the finish line.
Running a steady race as opposed to one that starts promisingly but finishes poorly is the best strategy when it comes to spirituality. Too many believers “flame out” early in their earthly race and wind up “running on fumes” as they approach life’s finish line. Jesus Himself taught as such in Matthew 13 in the Parable of the Sower (or more accurately, the Parable of the Soils).
The primary reason why so many Christians start strong but finish weakly is that they try to run in their own strength. It is far better to “wait on the Lord” from time to time than to forge full speed ahead (see Isaiah 40:28-31). I, for one, have learned that lesson the hard way… more than once.
Here is how Charles Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers,” describes the race set before us…
“Have I been delivered from proud reason and been brought as a little child to rest in Jesus‘ love and blood? If so, by God’s grace I shall outrun the strongest runner who chooses any other path. Straightforward makes the best runner.”
Trusting God every step of the way and avoiding as many detours as possible is a surefire way to finish strong.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
(See also I Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:12-14; and Hebrews 12:11-2)
