Jun. 6, 2006 - On Encouragement and Exercise
It seems that my need for community is always increasing. The more I am with others, the more I draw encouragement and inspiration from others, the more I realize that I need them to stave off spiritual atrophy. As when I neglect the Word, when I'm without that communion my aspirations wither, my temper fizzles and my sight fades...only to be exercised into health and vitality again when the diligence of some other soul (often unknowingly) reminds me to "buffet my body and make it my slave".
Creation always has a ready metaphor, doesn't it? How long does it take to get out of shape? Not as long as getting into it! It doesn't matter if I was a world class runner 10 years ago. If I'm out of shape, whose fault is it? I may still be able to finish a 20 mile marathon, but it would be terribly painful...why not avoid some potential pain and injury by staying in training?
Some unoriginal, unexciting, but true thoughts about training:
Ok, so the last one is exciting. Aren't you glad you don't have to do this by yourself? I like islands, but I'm glad I don't live on one. (Do you ever do this? Think things like, "What if each person --or couple-- had to live on their own island?" And then shudder and thank God for his wisdom.) Also, I can't help but notice that there aren't many among us who are naturally good at all of these things. Some of us are planners, some of us are doers, some of us want to do things on our own, some of us wait for the mood to strike us. (Does the mood for hard work ever strike you? It usually only feels good after it's finished!) "...let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yest resisted to the point of shedding your blood. (nope!) And have you forgotten the exhortation that he addresses you as sons? 'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.' It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Heb. 12:1-11 Well, I didn't intend to keep on copying the Scripture, but I couldn't stop halfway and anyway, typing it helps me to remember it. Addendum: In thoroughness, I ought also to have mentioned that the need for constant training is due to the extended nature of our marathon. It's one that may vary in it's starting position but never ends until we can say "..the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." 2 Tim. 4:6ff Thank you, Anonymous. :o) (I still have to figure out how/where to respond to comments.) 
Comments
Jun. 6, 2006 - Marathons
Posted by Anonymous
I think before you start training for your marathon, you ought to figure out how long they are!
Jun. 14, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by momn4boys
Very good post. Your list on training struck a cord with me. Goals, planning, habits and support. Very true. Hmmmm I need to work on my persistence. I love to plan- follow through is my struggle.
