Self Denial

by Joey Davis

Clifford and Jerie Furness tell this story about a special boy named Kenneth.

. . . His mother told us the story the day after. Kenneth was in junior high school and was excited about participating in a day of Special Olympics events. While his parents watched expectantly from the stands, he ran, and won, the first race. He was proud of his ribbon and the cheers from the crowd.

He ran in the second race as well. However, just as he was about to cross the finish line, when he again would have won, he stopped then stepped off the track.

His parents gently questioned him. "Why did you do that, Kenneth? If you had continued running. you would have won another race."

Kenneth innocently replied. "But. Mom. I already have a ribbon. Billy didn't have a ribbon yet." . . .

. . . "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit. but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your 'own personal interests. but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus" ( Philippians 2:3-5) . . .

. . . Jesus taught that if we truly desire to follow Him. we will first have to learn to deny ourselves. Whoever wants to save his life will lose it. whoever loses his life for Jesus' sake will save it. ( Luke 9)

We live in a society where self denial is a foreign concept. Truth is, if we see someone practicing the random acts of kindness similar to that of Kenneth, we question their motives. Surely nobody would put themselves second unless there was an angle to manipulate others.

It is people like Kenneth who remind us that we, as Christians, are to practice our religion in relation to one another. We cannot be happy with the idea that anyone will not receive God's reward. We should do whatever we can. including self-sacrifice. to assure that as many as possible enjoy God's presence with us. May we be a people who see making personal sacrifices for the sake of the gospel and the well being of others as a blessing from God.

If you know someone who is in danger of not winning the "ribbon" of living with the Master eternally make whatever sacrifices are necessary to assure that they cross the finish line!