Passages from the Bible with references to running:
Isaiah 40:31 “…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not grow faint.”
Hebrews 12: 1-2 “… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…”
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
Godliness from Paul’s letter to Timothy
1Timothy 4: 7-8
“… train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.“
The dictionary defines godliness as “being devout, denoting the piety which is characterized by a Godward focus, does that which is pleasing to him.“ To be godly involves keeping our focus on God, and seeking to do what is pleasing to him. But godliness doesn’t just happen. Paul tells Timothy to train himself to be godly. It takes work. And it requires that we let go of things that would hinder that training.
Isaiah 40:31 “…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not grow faint.”
Hebrews 12: 1-2 “… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…”
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
Godliness from Paul’s letter to Timothy
1Timothy 4: 7-8
“… train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.“
The dictionary defines godliness as “being devout, denoting the piety which is characterized by a Godward focus, does that which is pleasing to him.“ To be godly involves keeping our focus on God, and seeking to do what is pleasing to him. But godliness doesn’t just happen. Paul tells Timothy to train himself to be godly. It takes work. And it requires that we let go of things that would hinder that training.
Many activities are promoted as being “good for us.“ But training in godliness is unlike any of them. No matter how many miles we run or bike in this life, it has no value in the life to come. But godliness does. Godliness trains not just the physical body, but the spirit as well. That training will have value for eternity and that makes training in godliness even more important. It is training that will make a lasting difference, even after one’s physical body is destroyed.
Training in godliness involves prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship. But it also involves choosing to make good decisions in life. Choosing to do what pleases God rather than self. Working to develop a more intimate relationship with Christ. Living in obedience to the Holy Spirit’s direction. Training is hard, and involves self sacrifice, but it is well worth it in the long run.
(1 Timothy4:7-8 in The Message: “Exercise daily in God. No spiritual flabbiness. Workouts in the gym are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so making you fit both today and forever.”)
Written by Eileen Cravens
