Our Taste for Joy Requires Seasoning

When you look at the face of it, running a marathon doesn’t seem like something that anyone would want

to do. Imagine how far 26.2 miles really is. It is over 460 football fields or over 46,000 yards; it is the equivalent of running through 15 average size shopping malls; it is an average commute to work; it is a long bike ride.

What is this craziness anyway? Why does any one person want to challenge their bodies to run so far? For some, it is the challenge of being able to say that they can. For many it is more than that. It is a way of distancing oneself from the norm, an opportunity to do something that most people can and will not do. No matter how you slice it, there has to be a reason, a goal, for running a marathon.

In every race, there are three kinds of runners. First, there are the elite runners. Their bodies are like that of a gazelle, slim and sleek and prepared for speed. The elite runners have done this many times before and they are relaxed and ready. Their goal is to win the race.

Then there are the seasoned runners. These runners have been there before and have worked their bodies to exact the best result. Many of these runners are older and have no real chance of winning the race. This is not what is important. What is important is to run strong and run well. Their goal is to get the best time.

Then there are the novice runners. These are the first timers who have heeded the runner’s call. Many of these runners have fear and trepidation about whether they have done enough training. Their goal is to finish the race.

…forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13b-14)

As Christians, our goal is to give our lives over to the Author and Perfecter, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Though we are all made in His image, like snowflakes, we are all unique, blessed with different gifts and abilities, and through life’s circumstances, varying experiences and challenges that ultimately define who we are. It is for this reason that, though our goal is the same, it is our purpose that can be decidedly different.

In this race we call life, our taste for joy requires seasoning. Are you seasoned? Have you worked your heart and mind for the Lord to exact the best result?

Scripture Memory of the Day: 'A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.' (Luke 6:40)

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