Pacesetting

Pacesetting is a racing term. In running, it's the person who agrees to run out in front. This person's job is to run a particular speed with the aim that someone in the race will set a new record time. Sometimes we call this person the “rabbit.” They're out front and everyone is chasing them.

In auto racing, there's a pace car. The pace car drives in the front of the pack. No one is allowed to pass it. The pace car steadily accelerates to the correct speed to ensure a safe start. Then the pace car exits the track.

In case of an accident, the pace car returns to the head of the pack and runs at a slower speed to ensure that the accident can be removed safely from the track. In both cases, the purpose is to control the speed of those in the race.

In both cases, several observations can be made about the pace setter.

1. The pace setter is in front where the other racers can see them.
2. The pace setter knows what the correct pace is and is responsible to keep it.
3. The pace setter is focused on the job and doesn't get distracted.
4. The pace setter is most important at the beginning of the race. Until the racers get a feel for the correct speed.

Pacesetting in the Christian life is as important as setting the pace in racing. Practical discipleship is about doing. People need some one to set the pace in “doing” correctly.

Pacesetting could also be called setting an example, showing the pattern, being a model, or exhibiting a prototype.

In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul said to the people in the church at Corinth, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” God expects me to model Jesus Christ for people. Young believers follow the examples of older believers just as young children follow the examples of their parents.

Titus, Timothy, Me & You

Paul's instructions to Titus were, “In everything set them an example doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech.” (Titus 2:7) Titus was expected to set the pace in a few key areas: character, self-discipline, and controlling his words.

Paul's instructions to Timothy were, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12) Again, I see Timothy was expected to set the pace in character, controlling his words, self-discipline, and in the ministry skills of faith and love.

People are looking for pace setters to imitate. About the Thessalonians, Paul said, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord: in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

In the world of Christianity, I see a shortage of Bible-based pace setters. If you are over 40 years old OR if you have been a believer more than 10 years, then you are a pace setter.

I meet both criteria. I am over 40 years old AND I have been a believer for more than 10 years. People are watching my life, just like they are watching yours. They are following our example. That may or may not be a good thing. If my life doesn't follow the model of Jesus Christ, there may not be much worth following.

If someone wants to have the same level of physical fitness I have, they can follow my example. They can eat what I eat. Exercise like I exercise. And sleep like I sleep. If they do this, they will be like me. If I am fit, they will be fit. If I am fat and out of shape, they will be fat and out of shape.

If someone wants to have the same level of spiritual fitness I have, they can follow my example. They can pray like I pray. Memorize verses like I memorize verses. Read the Bible like I read the Bible. Tell other people about Jesus Christ like I tell people. If they do this, they will be like me. If I am spiritually fit, they will be fit. If I am spiritually lazy and ineffective, they will be lazy and ineffective.

Good or bad, they follow our example.

What kind of spiritual pace setter are you?

The Pacesetting Star Illustration

My pace setting illustration is a five pointed star.

When I set the pace for others, I take the initiative. The longer I have been a pace setter, the more important it is to me that I take initiative. I'm always looking for opportunities to initiate, always!

Practical discipleship tips on initiating

When I set the pace for others, I model for them:

Who should do it.
What to do.
When to do it.
Where to do it.
Why to do it.
How to do it.

Practical discipleship tips on modeling

When I set the pace for others, I develop a mutually beneficial accountability relationship with them. We discuss the things identified above under modeling.

Practical discipleship tips on accountability

When I set the pace for others, I am a leader. I am in front showing the way. If you intend to set the pace for others, get used to leading. Leading for the rest of our lives is difficult.

Leading well requires a few key life skills. And absolute integrity in a couple of key character areas.

Practical discipleship tips on leadership

When I set the pace for others, I can only do it for the length of my life. Mentoring others ensures those I am setting the pace for today will be setting the pace for the next generation tomorrow.

Practical discipleship tips on mentoring

Mentoring: The Dead Disciples Society

Spiritual multiplication is a type of mentoring.Until I get thoughts up on mentoring, take a look at these:

Practical discipleship tips on spiritual multiplication

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Posted on January 27, 2009