We read about Paul finishing his race in 2 Timothy 4. It is a nice metaphor. But it does not teach us to treat life as a race to win against others.

It might have started with Eve and Adam. They did not want to lose to God; they wanted to be equal to God. On and on through generations and generations, people want to win. "Chasing after the wind."

Life is not a competition. I do not need to win against you to be blessed by God. His blessing is between him and me; it has nothing to do with me getting "there" first before you. I have my own pace and so do you.

God does not bless me by comparing me versus others. He blesses me through my faith in Jesus. I do not need to win against you. Jesus is enough.

See: Not a competition (2)