running the race

I love to run, especially long distances in the woods....I mean anything over 10 miles. 

When I say this to non-runners they call me crazy and make odd faces. 

When I say this to road runners they call me crazy and make odd faces. 

I run for long distances in the woods because it is good for my soul, and if it is good for my soul it is good for the souls of my wife, my kids, and my friends. 

The Hebrews knew that if the soul of one in the community was not right with God then it would infect them all. Jesus picked up on this theme and warned is inner-band of followers to be aware of the "yeast of the Pharisee's". 

Simply put, this means to guard your soul against anything that makes you believe you less than completely dependent upon God. 

I forget this a lot. 
We all do. That is the human condition. James warned us of this in his letter calling us to not be double-minded. 

This is why I run. 
It gives me time to think.
It gives me time to pray. 
It gives me time to listen. 
It gives me time to care for my soul. 

God cares for souls, so much so that He died to reclaim them. 

What are you willing to give up to care for your soul? 
What are you caring for most in you life? 
If it is anything other than your soul than stop and re-focus. 


"This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming."
2 Timothy 4:7 Message