“But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus…”

Yesterday, almost 30K people ran the New York City Marathon.  Of the 30K, only a few really have a chance of winning. So, why do the rest participate in the race?  The Marathon is in interesting sport.  It’s really not at all about the winning.  As writer Gideon Lichfield states: “To a greater degree than perhaps in any other sport, in marathons it really is the taking part that counts.”  He is right.  It is about taking part.  The same can be said about business and our careers.  Few will ever get a chance to even be considered for the CEO role, or a functional leadership position.  Most will never get independently wealthy from their work. But, all want to take part in something that is important, meaningful and satisfying.  That is what we need to create to make sure that the best want to take part in what we have to offer.

Jesus calls us to take part.  I was speaking at our church’s Men’s Retreat the weekend before last and I reminded everyone, and myself, that our faith is not a private one.  Sure, it can be, but that is not what Jesus called us to do.  He called us to take part in spreading the word of Him and to expand His kingdom.  He has given each of something unique about us that can touch the lives of others for Him, if we only decide to take part.  What is that part that is waiting for you today to just grab and run with?

Reference:  Mark 1:45 (New Living Translation)