Running: A Spiritual Metaphor

Here are some things about running that may help us understand our spiritual fitness as well.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

• Running is habit forming and becomes a way of life.<o:p></o:p>
• You must run often to be any good at it.<o:p></o:p>
• Running requires preparation – for the long haul and for each run – you must have the right equipment and a route to run each time.<o:p></o:p>
• Your ability to complete each run is the result of the cumulative preparation of all past runs.<o:p></o:p>
• The conditions in which you run will determine how difficult the run is.  Running in the snow in the mountains is more difficult than running on a clear day on flat ground.  Running is the desert, though different from the mountains, is equally difficult.<o:p></o:p>
• Running by yourself is usually more difficult than running with a group.<o:p></o:p>
• If you run with a group – <o:p></o:p>
• If you are a weak runner, run with a group that will help you improve<o:p></o:p>
• If you are a really strong runner, run with a group that you can help to improve<o:p></o:p>
• The first part of each run will be painful – your flesh may resist.<o:p></o:p>
• After you beat your body into submission, the middle of the run will be almost effortless.<o:p></o:p>
• If you run farther than you are trained for, you will get tired, but you will also be prepared to run farther next time.<o:p></o:p>
• If you run much farther than you are trained for, you will experience pain, but can quickly recover with a little rest.<o:p></o:p>
• If you run farther than you are physically capable, you will be injured – physically damaged – and will be unable to run for a long time.<o:p></o:p>
• It is possible to stumble at any point on the run, but your personal strength and awareness of the situation can prevent a stumble from leading to injury.<o:p></o:p>
• In order to avoid stumbles all together, it is strongly advised to avoid darkness and run where there is light.<o:p></o:p>
• You can’t win the race if you don’t run!<o:p></o:p>

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1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. <o:p></o:p>

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