Are You a Runner?

A RUNNER names his runs. Tempo, threshold, and fartlek runs. Long runs, slow runs, and track workouts. The runs are defined.

A CHRISt-FOLLOWER reads Scripture, prays, and fellowships with a purpose. Nothing in the Christian life is unintentional. Just like specific runs, each moment with God has a purpose. Each word, prayer, and answer intentionally brings the follower closer to Christ.

A RUNNER knows that shoes are training equipment, not a fashion statement. The best shoe is the one that makes a better runner.

A CHRIST-FOLLOWER chooses his church based on Scriptural preaching, conviction of sin, challenging message, and strength of fellowship…no because of social standing, convenience, or because all the hot girls go there. Church is about drawing closer to Jesus not climbing the social latter.

A RUNNER doesn’t have running outfits. He has technical shirts and shorts and socks. He has apparel that enhances the experience of running by facilitating comfort, speed, and sweat-drying. Runners use words like "Coolmax," "Gore-Tex," “Dry-fit,” and actually know which does what.

A CHRIST-FOLLOWER knows that Spiritual warfare is no laughing matter and putting on the armor of God each day is vital to survival. It is not about looking spiritual or appearing to be the perfect Christian, it is about choosing to wear the character of Christ as protection against the daily fight again sin.

A RUNNER knows what effort feels like, and embraces it. He knows when limits are reached and why he pushes through them. He knows that heavy breathing and an accelerated heart rate—once avoided because of discomfort--are necessary to become a better runner.

A CHRIST-FOLLOWER knows that imitating a perfect and Holy Savior is the hardest thing he will ever attempt, and can only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit. Following Jesus Christ requires commitment, dedication, a change in priorities, and an abandonment of self. But every forced quiet time and uncomfortable confession of sin is worth it because it draws man closer to God.

A RUNNER because I am willing to lay it all on the line. I know that every finish line has the potential to lift my spirits to new highs or devastate me, yet I line up anyway.

A CHRIST-FOLLOWER gives it all for the cause of Christ. Daily taking up the cross and following Jesus. Putting earthly desires, and even earthly life, on the line because He is worth it. His will is not only greater, it is best. And a follower will stop at nothing to be in the will of Christ.

A RUNNER because I know that despite my best efforts, I will always want more from myself. I will always want to know my limits so that I can exceed them.

A CHRIST-FOLLOWER knows that, this side of heaven, he will never arrive at perfect unity and holiness. But that is part of the challenge, part of the draw; knowing that there is always something to work toward, and that the biggest prize of all is waiting to be celebrated in heaven.

A RUNNER because I run. Not because I run fast. Not because I run far.

A CHRIST-FOLLOWER is not perfect, sinless, or even nice all the time. Some call Christians hypocrites, but they are merely ordinary humans who choose to follow Christ with their lives. They are not super spiritual. Christ-followers sin…every day. But with the power of the Holy Spirit they sin less each day as they draw closer to the Lord. The difference between an ordinary person and a Christ-follower is that the latter has the power not to sin, while the former has no choice but to sin.

A RUNNER because I say I am. And no one can tell me I'm not.

A CHRIST-FOLLOWER is a Christian not because of an excessive amount of good deeds, or a respectable past, or pure thought life. A follower is saved because Christ died for Him on the cross of Calvary, dying once for the guilt of all sin. The follower merely accepted that free gift of Salvation and eternal life.

“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13

Are you a Christ-follower?

Excerpts taken from Runner's World.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-332--12126-0,00.html