Running

Running is good. Keeps the heart rate up, makes the heart strong, builds muscle mass, (it may kill the knees though). But the Bible has something to say about running too.

Scripture

2 John 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

Observation

The Bible is saying that if I run ahead of the pack, if I try to lead the race and when I do that, if I don't continue practicing the teaching of Christ I don't have God. What it does not say is that it is wrong to run and lead, because there is nothing wrong with being out front for God. But this scripture is saying that if "I" run out ahead and try to do it all myself; I am now out front and can do this and do that because I can, and don't have the teachings and disciplines that Christ has told me to follow, then I really don't have God.

Application

This reminds of a verse in James, chapter 4 verse 10; Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. My life should have nothing to do with/about me. I don't have to take off on a strong run and try to be first, to lead the race because I want to. It is about humbling myself to the ways of Christ, and the Bible says that I will have both the Father and the Son. So how do I do that? I lay all things at the feet of Jesus. I put down anything that concerns me, put down dreams I have, put down relationships, put it all down. And then Jesus and I will go together on this race.

Prayer

Father, I am so thankful that you have not asked me to run ahead without you. You are my personal life coach, and without you I am nothing. Your word tells me that you will lift me up, that I don't have to try to lead the way. I don't want to lead the way without you. I ask that you would come along side me in this race. I am thankful that you will not out pace me, you will stay beside me with everything that I need, because you are my provider and protector. Amen.