Our life frequently matches the lifestyle of those around us. Those we spend the most time with tend to set the pace for the direction and course of our life as well. As such, it’s important to regularly consider the pace setters in our life.
In a race, a pace setter sets the speed needed to finish the race within the idealized timeframe. But even outside of racing, pace setters establish the standards and provide the model for others to follow.
And this is not always the front-runner or the one demanding the most attention. But his steady and profound influence remains all the same.
Throughout our life and relationships we must be mindful of who’s pace we’re following, or be intentional about setting the pace ourselves for others to follow.
For instance, some friends have been in our lives for years and others we just happened to be associated with through our work, neighborhood, or the like. And while these might be otherwise solid guys, we must still consider if we’re heading in the same direction. If not, continuing to pace with them will not help us to fulfill God’s call for our life.
Faithful stewardship requires us to surround ourselves with those who are going the same way and helping us to accomplish all that God has for us. This means also finding our betters to push and challenge us as well.
At the same time, there might be occasions in which we’re called to be the pace setter for others. This requires us to resist a lot of natural pressures – holding to our integrity and influencing others for good, without compromising our standards and simply settling into the status quo around us.
In the end, it seems we’re either influencing or being influenced by the company we keep.
Consider the pace setters in your life. Are they keeping you on track to where you want to go? Or is it time to find others who can help you accomplish God’s best for your life?
Photo by James Thomas on Unsplash
