When I was a kid, my friend had a pin she wore that said, “Run for fun.” Snoopy was on it, running. I never understood that…

I never thought running was fun. It was hard work. It made me sweat and breathe hard. Nope. Nothing fun about that! However, the results of running were envious.

So, here I am, as an adult, running. And, as crazy as it is, I do find it fun. I still have to work hard, breathe hard, and sweat, but I find it enjoyable. I never thought I would see this day! And the results have been tremendous for me both physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If we take a minute to think about it, there are a lot of things in life that are like running for fun. We watch others do it and think, “that would be nice” or “that would benefit me” or “that would help me.” But if we are truly honest, it is too much work. It isn’t easy. It’s work and takes time so we push it out of our minds and make excuses.

We could make a list of many such things in our own lives. I know I could. Although I try to eat well, I know there are things that I could improve. They would be simple fixes, yet, I haven’t changed these things yet because I am not ready to discipline myself in that way.

The same thing with proving my running. I could make some changes and increase distance and speed, but I haven’t disciplined myself to make those needed changes.

What about our spiritual lives? Ouch! This is where it gets real. Spiritual health is the most important aspect of our lives, yet we neglect it the most often (I would dare say). Why is that? Why is it so hard to walk up 15 minutes earlier to pray longer? Why do we find reading the Bible more difficult than reading a fiction book? Why is it so easy to neglect the assembling of ourselves with other believers when we would never miss a work meeting?

I can do the 5k run. I can eat all the healthy things. I can get the 8 hours sleep. I can spend time focusing my thoughts. Yet, if I fail to spend time with the Great I AM, if I fail to spend time with the Creator, the Master of the Universe and His Words, then the rest doesn’t really matter much.

See, my life will one day pass away. When my time comes, all the healthy life choices, all the speed and endurance of a run won’t matter much. When I die, the only thing that will benefit me is knowing the Lord Jesus. And if that is what is important then, why is it not more important to me now? Yes, I know Him as Savior, but do I acknowledge Him as Lord in all ways? Do I place importance on knowing Him above improving my running time, eating less junk, or meeting a goal?

And so, that is what I leave with you. Running is fun! It makes me feel great, and if you share my running enthusiasm, you understand chasing the endorphins. However, let me encourage you (and me) to chase God with the same enthusiasm that we chase our goals. He is so worthy of it!

The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in loving kindness. The Lord is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, and Your godly ones shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power; to make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts and the glory of the majesty of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. Psalm 145:8-13