Keys to Running a Good Race!

As many of you know, I have been somewhat of a runner for the past few years. I began with running a mile or two on our local boardwalk.  Since then, I’ve run a number of 5K races, seeking to run a somewhat respectable time. The longest I’ve ever run is 10 miles. Currently, I’m finishing off the second week of a 12 week training plan to run a half-marathon at the end of September. Needless to say, the running metaphors of the New Testament hit home with me. 

As I’ve read the scriptures and thought about both my physical running and my spiritual race of faith, I’ve realized that both require of me the same thing. In fact, recently I’ve honed in on four keys to running a good race both physically and spiritually—and in other aspects of life, as well. They are discipline, perseverance, pacing, and focus. 

I’ve learned that, in order to run a physical race I need to first of all discipline myself multiple times per week to get up and run, even when I don’t feel like it. I then need perseverance to continue running once I’ve begun; to keep on running even when my legs or lungs tell me to stop. I also need to find the  pace that’s right for me. It’s tempting to go out hard and fast, but to do so may mean fatigue before I get to the end. And, I’ve learned that someone else’s pace is not necessarily the right pace for me. Finally, I’ve come to realize the great importance of focus—i.e., keeping my eyes on the goal; seeing in my minds-eye the finish line—for, it’s the end goal that motivates me as I run.   

Discipline, perseverance, pacing, and focus, are all needed for any runner to run his or her race well. But they are also the keys to running one’s race of faith well. After all, living our lives as followers of Jesus requires of each of us, each and every day, discipline to do the right things (e.g., read our Bibles, pray, serve others, worship); perseverance to keep on following Jesus even when things get tough; the right pace so that we don’t burn out prematurely (e.g., taking days of rest); and keeping our eyes focused on the end goal—i.e., the gift of eternal life; eternity spent in the presence of God; even Jesus himself.

The Bible says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith….” (Hebrews 12:1-2 - NIV) 

Let me encourage you to incorporate into your life each of these keys for running a good race. If you will, I know you will finish well. 

Have a great day! And, let’s keep on running! 

- Pastor Tim Harris