Run Well: Insights From Hebrews 12Sample

Consider again the command to “make level the path for your feet” as it relates to our responsibility to others. Those in the race with us and those following us in the course should neither swerve nor stumble.

When our limbs are dislocated, we cause others to be disabled. It happens in marathons rather often. A misstep causes others to trip. Our mistakes cause mishaps.

Recently, I taught 50 students at a premier seminary about "The Pitfalls of Preachers." When I asked for examples of private pitfalls that could cancel a ministry, two right away mentioned laziness and carelessness. The Desert Fathers alerted us to acedia, a Greek word meaning “without care” and associated with slothfulness and slowness.

When fellow runners look to me as an example, for direction and to set the pace, regardless of how I feel, I must be willing to be strong for others’ sake. Except I am as weak as anyone else. How will I strengthen myself for influence and impact?

Much as my young granddaughter, at her limits of reach or load, asks, “Abbu, can you help me?” I simply ask God’s Spirit to help me with inner capacity (see Ephesians 3:16) for external capability. And like my “Of course, I can“ reply, God can and does fortify me for my own run, but also for the sake of others in the race.