I don’t know about you, but I love fall weather! The sight of falling leaves, pumpkins, warm cups of coffee, and cooler temps for running just makes me a happy guy. During this season, I see more individuals out being active and enjoying a cool down from the summer heat. There is just something special for me when it comes to a cool morning and the quite of the early hours. I have grown quite found of early morning runs.

The Bible often speaks of living a life committed to God as if it we were running a race. Following Jesus is more than a relaxing stroll in the park. And the issue is not whether you will run the race, because when you are filled with His Spirit, you were put in the race. So, the question is not WILL you run, but HOW will you run?

Tips for Running Well

First, stay in shape. I like Paul’s perspective in 1Co 9:24 NKJV Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain [it]. In other words, you need to have a mindset to win, and, like any race, winning requires discipline. As spiritual runners, we must discipline ourselves in the exercise and habits of prayer and reading God’s Word. Daily prayer and reading God’s Word gives us strength and motivation to run and win.

Secondly, obey the rules. Like all races, running to win means staying in the boundaries. Paul committed to living his life by God’s rules. 1Co 9:27 NKJV But I discipline my body and bring [it] into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. He did not want to do anything that would disqualify him. As good runners, we need to embrace this same attitude. 

Thirdly, learn how to run light. Heb 12:1 NKJV Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares [us], and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, What is it that distracts you and what is the sin that slows you down? Take them off, ask for forgiveness, so you can run light!

This race of life is more than a few laps around the track, it’s a long-distance marathon. Yes, life can be stressful, and sometimes the weather is bad, obstacles may show up in your path, and life may even bring a pandemic to stand in our way. There will be times when we may trip and fall, but you must get back up and push on. Whatever the case, runners that win never give up. Keep your eyes on the finish line… Jesus is there! When you run for the honor and glory of His name, He reaches out with the victor’s crown and says, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”