As a runner I understand the significance of these words…
“You were running a good race. WHO CUT IN ON YOU to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you!” (Galatians 5.7-8 NIV).
“CUTTING IN” on another runner is discourteous and unfair! (It is also common fare in highly competitive, “dog-eat-dog” races). If detected and flagrant it can result in the disqualification of the offending runner. That is why Apostle Paul goes on to say… “The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty!” (vs. 10) Interpretation? … God, the ultimate judge (“race official”) will take care of the situation… He’s the one capable, able and entirely fair… He’ll dish out the penalties. You just take care of the running!
I had an interesting, demanding, and effective cross-country coach in high school… Coach Crumpton. He had an interesting philosophy in situations like that… Here it is – only two words – “NO EXCUSES!” If another runner cut in on you, almost tripping you up, causing you to stumble (or even fall), his approach was, “don’t whine, don’t let it happen, and if you happen to stumble, don’t lay on the course writhing in self-pity, get up as quickly as you can, try to make up the difference between you and the offending runner, but even if you can’t… “NO EXCUSES!”
Seems like good advice to me for the Christian race.
Coffee With The Lord 