If I were to decide today, that tomorrow I am going to run a marathon with my brother from another mother, Pastor Matt Hatton, without any training, you would probably think I am crazy and doomed for failure. Running a race is something you have to train for and prepare for, especially a long race like a marathon. You have to set yourself up for success, and that begins with learning the basics and putting them into practice—this rings true, for the life of a Christ follower as well.
“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:24-27
As Christians, we are commanded to run our race, with a heart and a passion to follow Christ to the very best of our abilities. Not out of desire for any recognition here on earth, and not to earn salvation by anything we do. We are to train ourselves in the Word, then put it into practice by running our race. We have such a short time on this earth, we don’t know how much life any of us have left, so, it is imperative that we run completely surrendered to God, and finish our race well. Everything we do, should be to glorify and honor God. We train ourselves to walk in obedience, to give up our sins that trap us, and just run to God.
I don’t know about you, but these verses always remind me to keep this perspective. To run worthy of the calling as a Christ follower. To be a light in this dark world, and to never give up. My life is held in His hands, and I choose to run to the very best of my abilities, while I still have breath in my lungs. I hope for you reading, that you are reminded by that today. I hope you have a desire to run your race well, fully surrendered to our Savior! Now, put in the training work, and get running, while you still have the time!
“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:24-27
As Christians, we are commanded to run our race, with a heart and a passion to follow Christ to the very best of our abilities. Not out of desire for any recognition here on earth, and not to earn salvation by anything we do. We are to train ourselves in the Word, then put it into practice by running our race. We have such a short time on this earth, we don’t know how much life any of us have left, so, it is imperative that we run completely surrendered to God, and finish our race well. Everything we do, should be to glorify and honor God. We train ourselves to walk in obedience, to give up our sins that trap us, and just run to God.
I don’t know about you, but these verses always remind me to keep this perspective. To run worthy of the calling as a Christ follower. To be a light in this dark world, and to never give up. My life is held in His hands, and I choose to run to the very best of my abilities, while I still have breath in my lungs. I hope for you reading, that you are reminded by that today. I hope you have a desire to run your race well, fully surrendered to our Savior! Now, put in the training work, and get running, while you still have the time!