“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
– 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, NIV
I was part of a running club of sorts a few years back. We would sign up regularly to run 5Ks together. Once we ran in a cemetery, another time through a city, and another deep in a thick canopy of trees. Try that in the middle of the hot summer in Missouri! (Gasp) I did!
And while some of the members of this group were better than others, all were faster than I was! I was there for the exercise, it’s true. But I also was there for the socializing. In fact, this team of friends knew that I would not, and could not, rush away after the race. I needed to connect with the other runners, people who had become my running/walking buddies.
Recently, I have been taken by Paul’s instruction, even expectation, that we believers are to run. He gives details about this kind of running too.
First, we are made to run. I had not really thought about that. As followers of Christ, we are created to move with such passion, and direction, emboldened by the Holy Spirit to run this life with Christ. Second, we are to run in such a way as to aim for the prize. Paul stresses that we do not run aimlessly. Wow! This amazing, fulfilling life right here and now should be and must be lived with purpose, focus, and intentionality.
Do I do this? Am I really living my life or am I letting life happen to me? I have to ponder that a bit.
Third, Paul says that accompanying our running life is a life of discipline. It’s not always easy, but we decide (with God’s help) to exercise self-control. We resist things that do not help us along the way. Things that weigh us down. Things such as easily taking offenses, carrying around jealousy, or not forgiving others. And, we decide to run to things that will help our journey. We drink in the living water that Christ provides through His Word. We lean heavily on the Lord through prayer and other spiritual practices. And, we fast. We give up food or other necessities to listen well to God’s leading.
We are in the second month of 2017, and God is calling us to Himself. He always does. But this is month two of 12 months. Twelve months where we get to run, walk, sit, stand, and move with our Savior on this planet. His call today: Run with Me. Let me lead. And, be sure to follow.
What? You say you can’t run? No worries. I get it. Knees hurt, or just not in the running mood. But how about this kind of RUN?
Reset your mind to focus on God’s love and His holy name.
Under no circumstances will you give up and throw in the towel.
Nestle into God’s Word, the Bible. Read, meditate, and ponder daily.
And love deeply. I know that’s not part of the word RUN, but it’s so important. Along the way, let God love through you. When everything else fails, love does not. So keep love in the run.
Cheryl Lee Davis
Vice President of Women’s Connection
Women’s Connection