RUN!

​There are times when it is necessary to "run" for your life. Running can entail a physical position, but it can also denote a spiritual stance. There are times when you have to do both. The Apostle Paul told his son Timothy to "run":

But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.1 Timothy 6:11-12 (MSG)

In this passage of scripture, Paul is not only warning Timothy against running after riches, he is admonishing him to "run hard and fast in the faith". Many a soul spend their life literally chasing a dollar. They take time away from family and friends, and even time they need to spend on themselves to pursue riches. When all is said and done, nothing they gained will go with them to judgement. 

Even in the church, there are those who work endless hours building a mega ministry. They build cathedrals to God, but in their quest, they often neglect God and family. When Paul tells Timothy to run after the faith, this does not mean running after brick and mortar. While the edifice may remain long after the life of the builder, what becomes of the soul of the builder who forgets God along the way? 

The scriptures show us throughout that the life of the child of God is best spent when God is honored, the family is supported, and the work of the ministry is put in divine order – not one man – but a community of believers, each fulfilling their part. 

Yes, we must run, but run after the more excellent way:

In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body…So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t. Romans 12:4-6 (MSG- select verses)

Maria