Recently, at a Danville District event, the moderator began by sharing her devotional that morning. Rather than a lengthy devotional, this one was a mere five words: “Who are you running with?” The question is an insightful one because it points us in the direction of the people we are close to yet goes a little bit deeper.
As I pondered the question, I thought that most of the time, I find that in the culture we live in, I’m not running with but against. In this culture of antagonism and hate, we may find more in common with people who are against something than people who are for something. You may find yourself in a circle, complaining about a distaste for sushi or shag carpeting. And in that moment, but rarely for long, you’re riding the complaint train down the tracks, together (that is until it’s derailed by some difference discovered). We ran together, but not for long.
“Who are you running with?” For the Christian, this question may look different than the nonbeliever. Rather that what we are against, the Christian community is composed of people who are drawn into a shared mandate to worship God. In other words, we’re drawn together not because of what we are against, but who we are decidedly for. We are to “draw near to God and he will draw near to you (James 4:8).” We “enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise (Psalm 100:4).” We run with people who worship the Lord while we concurrently worship God.
If we worship together and if we run together, we will go much further than we ever dreamed of going. Pastor Bruce had in his office a sign saying: “If you want to run fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” When we run alone, we might be able to get good done. But when we run together, united and with a shared vision, we will go much further, and greatness can be achieved.
So lace up those athletic shoes, running partner, and fix your eyes on the cross, cause we have a race ahead of us. I’m here to run with you. Are you ready to run with me?
In Christ,
Pastor Will
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