I Do Not Run

(running for more than just the exercise)

I just started back running after taking some time off to heal a foot injury. Funny how you can miss something more than you thought you would. Watching the calorie counter go higher and higher on the treadmill was always a treat. And spending time alone with my thoughts and prayers was a real blessing. I sure hope it works out this time.

A couple years ago I ran in a marathon relay with four friends. We had shirts with this Biblical excerpt on the back, “I do not run like a man running aimlessly”, (1 Corinthians 9:26). Now that verse can surely provide some comic relief out on the road! We may not have been aimless, but I certainly felt like we were staggering at times, even with that big blue line painted down the center of the road.

To get the real meaning of what Paul was saying we need to look at the verses that precede verse 26, “Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Paul is encouraging us to live and work with a purpose; to set goals for our life and move towards them. Don’t just look busy. Don’t just keep busy. Don’t just run around aimlessly. Be focused. Be intentional. Take care of your spirit, mind and body. Run for the prize.

Thanks for all you do.

Brian

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