As we run our race for life, we must “run in such a way that [we] may win it.” (1 Cor. 9:24) Jesus said that we could “become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life.” (Luke 21:34) These and other scriptures can help you to identify adjustments you might need to make as you run your race for life. We can be sure that we will win the race for life because Jehovah will give us the strength we need. (Isa. 40:29-31) Therefore, do not slow down! Imitate the apostle Paul, who put his all into acquiring the prize set before him. (Phil. 3:13, 14) No one can run this race for you, but with Jehovah’s help you can succeed. Jehovah can help you carry your loads and throw off unnecessary weights. With Jehovah on your side, you will be able to run your race with endurance and win! w23.08 36:16-17

When Jesus was 12 years old, his parents left him behind in Jerusalem. (Luke 2:46-52) It was ultimately Joseph and Mary’s responsibility to make sure that all their children were among the group who were traveling home after the festival. When Joseph and Mary finally found Jesus, Mary blamed him for the trouble he had caused them! Jesus could have pointed out how unjust this was. Instead, he gave his parents a simple and respectful reply. Joseph and Mary, however, “did not understand what he was saying to them.” Still, Jesus “continued subject to them.” Young ones, do you ever find it hard to obey your parents when they make mistakes or when they misunderstand you? What can help? Think about how Jehovah feels. The Bible says that when you obey your parents, “this is well-pleasing to the Lord.” (Col. 3:20) Jehovah knows when your parents do not fully understand you or when they make rules that are less than perfect. But when you choose to obey them anyway, you make him happy. w23.10 42:5-6

A schoolmate might assert that Jehovah’s Witnesses should change their view of homosexuality. We may need to assure him that we respectfully recognize that each person has the right to make his own choices. (1 Pet. 2:17) We might then be able to highlight the Bible’s beneficial moral standards. When confronted by someone who has strong views, we should not quickly assume that we know what he believes. For example, what if your schoolmate says that it is ridiculous to believe in God? Should you assume that he strongly believes in evolution and knows a lot about it? Actually, he may not have given the subject much thought. Perhaps you could direct him to material about creation found on jw.org. He might later be willing to discuss an article or a video found there. Yes, a respectful response may move him to reconsider his view. w23.09 39:12-13