Running is More than Coursework!
Cheer Each Other On!
Abi ran the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon last Sunday morning.
She ran 13.1 miles very well and seemed to enjoy it. I am profoundly proud of what she’s accomplished.
I’m most proud of the way she trained for this race.
Abi got up early in the morning to review the course map. She spent hours each week studying the map for the race.
Once Abi could recite each twist and turn by heart, she felt ready for the race.
Sound right? No.
Anyone who has run a race was probably raising a few eyebrows already. If you haven’t run a race, you’re still probably questioning this training approach.
We know the importance of staying on the course and the danger of getting lost.
But, when you’re running a race, we know getting tired is at least as dangerous as getting lost.
The course is quite clear, endurance is a totally different challenge.
Sometimes, believers who take the Bible seriously train for the Christian life with mostly “coursework” and forget the danger of fatigue!
It’s easy to get distracted and oh-so-easy to get tired. We need to be aware of both.
How are you running the Christian race? How are you helping others run the race?
Galatians 6 wants to encourage you to keep going! Stay on the right course, and don’t quit running.
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:9–10
Paul encourages the Galatians to keep going till the finish line (here called the harvest). The first verb, “become weary,” emphasizes a loss of focus, and the second verb, “give up,” emphasizes being discouraged or giving in.
Paul encourages the Galatians to keep giving themselves for the benefit of others, “doing good.”
There is real fatigue in faithful service. Acts of generosity can take a lot out of us!
And we’re running an endurance race by giving ourselves to others. There are so many hills to climb just in giving ourselves to the family of believers (which biblically must remain our first priority).
It seems as if only ultra-Christians could give themselves to those outside, “all people.”
Paul encourages us by reminding us of the fanfare at the finish line. There will be a harvest one day–keep going!
We need to encourage each other with these words in the Church.
If you see someone giving themselves to the good of others– cheer them on!
Have you seen a mother pausing mid-conversation to discipline a child?
Have you seen a father studying the Bible after a grueling day of work?
Have you seen a meal delivered to a saint who is suffering?
Have you seen people praying together?
If you see someone running the race–cheer them on!
They might be more tired than you realize… running doesn’t mean they never get tired. Running has a way of making you tired!
Let’s cheer each other on and help each other keep going!
Meet my hero!
