Keep Moving

     In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. 

     And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. 

     You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same.
Ephesians 4:1-7 The Message

This passage makes me think about running and I got to reminiscing about a couple coworkers who ran the Houston Marathon a few years back. Twenty-six grueling miles... 

Would they have finished the race if they'd wandered off the pathway that was marked before them? Would they have been disqualified for unauthorized shortcuts? Could they have correctly competed in AND completed the race, had they not followed the rules? What if they just quit because they were tired or because they were in pain? What if they had run 25 and nine-tenths miles...and quit? What if they had turned around and gone back the way they'd come?

One's a young man, in his twenties; one is - shall we say seasoned? - in his early fifties. Both ran the same marathon, same road, same direction. Do they have the same style of running? No. Are they built the same? No, not even close. Did they have the same running time? No, but they both started at the beginning. And both had one purpose in mind; finish the race...which they both did.

One was at work on the Monday following the race. One took Monday off to recover. There were people in that race that were in their 70s and older. Two of the ones in their seventies didn't start running until one was in his 50s and the lady was 61 when she ran her first marathon. Never too early. Never too late to start.

That's just like our race. We all have to get to the same starting point... Sinners saved by grace. Then we all run the road to Heaven. Heading in the same direction, albeit at different speeds. Some running, some walking, some marching a straight line, and some limping... Some through intense conditions, but all of them moving forward, be it fast or slow. We must finish the race!

So, let's keep moving...

Prayer:

Father,
           We're not going back. We've got our eye on the prize, but may we also be Your hand extended for those along the way who need encouragement to keep going. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Running to Win

You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?
Galatians 5:7 NLT

There are certain things we must do if we're going to finish the race and finish it well. First of all, make sure you're headed in the right direction. With Christ the path is already laid out. Next - Work on putting one foot in front of the other. Don't think about the miles that stretch before you. One foot in front of the other, over and over - taking care of the small stuff will diminish the big stuff. Be a momentum builder, not a momentum stealer. Problems don't kill momentum - ATTITUDE kills momentum. Pay attention to who you run with or who's trying to run around you.

If you intend to finish, you've got to find others who will help you keep pace and stay on track. Sprinters don't win marathons. Paul writes in Galatians 2:2, I went there because God revealed to me that I should go. While I was there I met privately with those considered to be leaders of the church and shared with them the message I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement, for fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I was running the race for nothing.

Stay focused as to why you're in the race to begin with. The rules may disqualify you if you forget what the race is all about. When we focus on the rules, we become referees, not participants.

2nd Timothy 2:22 tells us to, Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

REMEMBER it's not always about what we're running TO, sometimes it's about knowing what to run away FROM! 1st Corinthians 9:25-27, Paul tells us, All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.  Perseverance and endurance will get us to the finish line.

It may not seem like it to some, but the race is still on... even if you decide you're not running another step. Even if you pack it in and call it quits, the race continues. Life IS the race. You can't win, place or show from the sidelines. Quitting is not an option. God never quit on us...

Prayer:

Father,
            Your Word assures us that only those who endure to the end will receive the crown of life. We eagerly anticipate that day, Lord. Let it be soon. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen