“We appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not in their place of battle. Be skilled at gently encouraging those who feel themselves inadequate. Be faithful to stand your ground. Help the weak to stand again. Be quick to demonstrate patience with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 TPT)
Before a marathon starts, runners line up in corrals based on their pace. The faster runners are assigned sections in the front, and the slower runners are supposed to be in the back. This system enables the race to proceed smoothly and safely. There are always some runners who are out of place. They may prefer to wait with their friends before the start line. Some inexperienced runners may not know their average pace, so that might cause them to be in the wrong spot. Whatever the reason for their deviation, it is NOT due to laziness. Marathoners are far from idle!
In the battle of life, we are each assigned specific positions at different phases. There are times when we may be out of place. Perhaps we choose to be with our friends rather than stand alone, or we are confused about our purpose, or we feel inadequate or overconfident in our abilities. Whatever the reason, we don’t opt out of our place due to laziness.
It’s hard enough to know our place in battle and remain at our assigned post. Instructing others who are out of place takes even more boldness. Most people do not respond gladly to correction. Gently encouraging those who feel inadequate or confused takes Divine assistance. But first, we must be able to know our own place in battle and stand firm in our own good convictions. Only then can we help the weak stand and extend forbearance and forgiveness to everyone.
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