Running the RIGHT Race

At a recent family movie night, we watched Secretariat—the story of the legendary racehorse who, in 1973, won the Triple Crown for the first time in 25 years. It’s a story of boldness, determination, and breakthrough.

But what stood out most wasn’t just the victory—it was a small detail repeated throughout the film.

Race after race, Secretariat would start from behind. As the horses thundered ahead, his jockey sat back, waiting, trusting the pace. And near the end of each race, there’s this close-up: the jockey pulls off his goggles, and the only clean part of his face is around his eyes. The rest is covered in dirt—mud kicked up by the horses in front of him.

It’s a powerful picture: when you run from behind, you wear the dust of others.

Then comes the Belmont Stakes—the longest and final race. This time, everything changes. Secretariat doesn’t hang back. He surges forward early and runs in front the entire way, finishing in historic fashion.

And at the end? That same shot. The jockey removes his goggles.
Only this time, his face is clean.
No dirt. No debris. No one ahead to throw it back.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that life is a race with a purpose:

“I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.” — Acts 20:24

We’re all running toward a finish line. The real question isn’t just if we’ll finish—but how we’ll run.

Because the way of Jesus is different from the way of the world. In this world, we’re taught to get ahead, stay ahead, and keep our image clean. But in the Kingdom of God, the path looks different: the first will be last, the greatest will be servants, and the way up is down.

Following Jesus often means running from behind—choosing humility over recognition, service over status, faithfulness over applause. It means stepping into unseen spaces, loving when it’s inconvenient, and giving when no one is watching.
And yes… it often means getting a little dirt on your face.

But that “dirt” is the evidence of a life poured out. It’s the mark of someone who isn’t chasing position—but pursuing purpose.

This week, choose the lower place—on purpose.

Serve someone who can’t repay you. Encourage someone who might outshine you. Step back so someone else can step forward. Do something meaningful that no one will notice.
Run your race the way Jesus ran His.

One day, we’ll cross the finish line. And the question won’t be, “How clean did you look?” but “How well did you love?”

Run the right race