Running

“I hate running. I have never been one of those guys who gets delight out of running in circles and going nowhere. But as soon as Dr. Shaddix asked me to join him on a run, I was a full-fledged cross-country athlete. You see, whether running in circles around the seminary campus or sitting in his home talking about life and ministry, Jim was gracious enough to share his life with me and in the process to show me what it means to follow Christ. And I wanted that, even if it included sweating.”

 - Radical by David Platt

Each of us have a person (or persons) who we would suddenly become runners for, and each of us, when we live in the community that Christ intended, hold that position in the life of at least one other person.

God designed it that way.

We are intended to follow each other to Jesus.

Sometimes, though, I think that I need one of those shirts that says “Don't follow me. I walk into walls.” Because, quite honestly, I run into walls (spiritual and physical) all the time. I mess up. I drop things that I am supposed to be juggling. I get overwhelmed and react by simply curling up in a corner with my nose in a book or a web page, as if it will all simply go away. I get mad at God. I quit reading my Bible. I close myself off from prayer. I refuse to take in any more pain or to fight one more step forwards.

I hope beyond all hope that no one is following me in those moments.

Because, being followed is humbling.

I am convinced that there is nothing more humbling than seeing a child's eyes light up when you enter a room, and nothing that will put you in your place more quickly than watching them run to you.

Suddenly, it is worth everything to live like Jesus, no matter what it costs or how much effort it requires.

Look around you today. Who are you following? Who is following you? Where are you leading them?