Excessive Compulsive Running Disorder and the Christian

 I am a runner.  Some people may say that I have ECRD - excessive compulsive running disorder.  I like to run.  I get up early to do it.  I run when I am on vacation, or travel on business.  I run when it’s hot and I run when it’s cold.  I have been known to run in the rain and I enjoy running when it’s snowing.  I hope that when I am running my face looks like I am enjoying it – I’m not doing it to punish myself.  I am a runner. 

When I first starting running I didn’t want to draw a lot of attention to it.  I’d been somewhat sedentary and probably made fun on a few occasions of those schmucks out there in the cold rain running up that hill.  When asked “Are you are runner?” I’d say “Hmm, I don’t know  - I jog a few miles now and then.”  Finally someone confronted me – “Do you run 3 or more miles on a regular basis?” “Well, yes. I suppose I do” “Then, you’re a runner!”  So I admitted my identity and gave in to the moniker – and then ran even more!

So what does this have to do with running the Christian race?  Well, a lot.  If we are going to run the Christian race we need to know who we are .  I am a Christian.  There, I’ve said it.  Why is that important?  People who know that I am training for a marathon watch me a little differently.  Knowing I am a runner helps them define who I am (even though their knowledge may be a bit off)  “Do you really think you should eat that?” One might say.  “Or I could never do that…I can’t get up that early, or my knees hurt to bad (football injury, you know)”.  But it also helps me know who I am – and accordingly watch what I eat – or what I do.   People who know that I am a Christian helps them define who I am (even though their knowledge may be a bit off!) “Oh, you shouldn’t say that around Jeff, he may get offended” or “That’s not how a Christian should behave.”

More importantly though – It defines who I am.  “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

I am a runner because I enjoy the benefits of running.  I enjoy the health benefits I get because I run.  I enjoy being able to clear my head, think, and pray as I run.  I enjoy seeing the stars in the morning or new fallen snow before anyone (except me!) tramples on it.  I enjoy the serenity.  I train and set race goals to challenge me and help me improve.

I am a Christian because Christ accomplished for me what I could not do – deal with my sin and sin problem – give me new life and the promise of an eternal one.  As a Christian I can now know and follow the path He created me for and enjoy His love and strength as I run each earthly step.  I need to train and strive to grow in my faith so I can run this race with perseverance and success.  As I come to grips with who I am as a Christian, and what all that means, I want to run more – for Christ – fixing my eyes on him as I run toward the prize.

How about you?

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms”  Ephesians 1:17-20

 

Log - last week ran 26 miles including a Saturday run of 10 miles in the cold and snow.   This Saturday the forecast calls for 12 miles - before 8AM!  


Knowing who we are is essential - if we are to become who God created us to be.