Episode #21: Consider the Source – Are They Qualified to Advise You?

A few weeks ago, I decided to go for a run. For you this may be no big deal, but for me – a guy who hasn’t ran for distance in quite some time – it was an undertaking. I consider myself to be in shape and I work out a few times a week to stay strong but running… that’s a different story. 

Guys, I’ve never enjoyed running as a sport. I do enjoy physical activities: weight training, mountain biking, and hiking to name a few. But running, it’s just not for me. So, why did I? I had been talking with some guys in our 84 Days course about running (we have a couple men who actually enjoy the torturous sport) and I wanted to report back what I was capable of. Unfortunately, it wasn’t very impressive. Now, I will say that I ran without stopping and at no point did I feel like I was about to die so I consider that a win. My time, however, was not a win. Ten minutes it took me to complete a mile run. Not impressive by any stretch. But I did run without stopping, lets not forget that. 

This week we’re discussing the importance of having men in our life that will help us keep moving intentionally and consistently in the right direction – toward the goal, the finish line. We need godly men around us who will hold us accountable and are willing to tell us the hard truth, not just what makes us feel good. (See also, yes-man)

Which brings me to the analogy found within my story. Not everyone will make a good pacesetter in your life and not everyone deserves that important position. I run a 10 minute mile. That’s slow. It goes without saying that no professional runner – or even a pretty good one – will be reaching out to me to pace for them in their next marathon. I’m not qualified. I am not able to challenge them or motivate them to improve or push their limits. In fact, I would slow them down. I would prevent them from succeeding at their goal. 

pacesetter

a runner or competitor who sets the pace at the beginning of a race or competition, sometimes in order to help another runner break a record.

From Oxford Languages

The same goes for life. There will be those who want to speak into your life that are not qualified to do so. Their goals may not align with yours. They may not share the commitment to faith that you do. They may not have your best interest in mind. Whatever the reason, there are many people who should not be given the responsibility of pacesetter in your life. Not only will they not challenge you, they will slow you down or may even cause you to quit altogether.

So gentlemen, while it is important to have pacesetters in your life, it is just as important to carefully choose the men you give that position to. Be sure these are men you know and trust. Those who have proven their commitment to godly values. Men who have a history of integrity. Not perfect men – there are none of those – but men who will challenge you and push you to succeed in the goals you have in life. When you are surrounded by men like these, you will be much more successful in the marathon of life. 

What to learn more? Take 10 minutes to listen to the podcast for more about choosing our pacesetters wisely.