It seems as though running is the theme these days. The 2024 Olympics are being held in Paris where a lot of really fast runners are competing in Track and Field events. News stories are filled with who is (and who is not) running for political office. There is a new Jack Reacher movie on Netflix starring Tom Cruise and Tom Cruise likes to run! Running must have been a popular activity in Bible times also. Scripture contains numerous references to running that provide spiritual instruction for followers of Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1 – “So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go.” And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us.” We have to leave behind the sin that constantly trips us up. We must also lay aside the burden of guilt and shame that come with sin if we want to lead a victorious Christian life.
2 Timothy 2:5 – “An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere.” God has given us rules that keep us on the right track. You can try to get around those rules, but it never turns out like you thought it would.
Philippians 3:13-14 – “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” We will never reach our spiritual goal by looking over our shoulder and wondering, “What if?” We have to focus our attention on where we are headed, not where we have been.
Hebrews 12:1 – “So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us.” We all need the encouragement and example of other believers to keep us moving forward. You are not in this race alone; you have brothers and sisters on the track with you.
Hebrews 12:1-2 – “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” When we become weary and feel that we can’t go on, we are reminded that Jesus has gone before us and that his spirit lives in us. He gives us strength beyond ourselves.
2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith… Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…” The crown we will receive at the end of our Christian journey is not for us to keep. It is to lay at the feet of the true champion – Jesus Christ.
The Christian life is not a sprint. It is a marathon.
-Dr. Jim Baldwin
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