Running With Jesus With Prof. Boaz Sample

On the attitude of running

Philippians 2:5

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

It is all about the mindset. It is all about the attitude. It is all about the psyche. 

When a marathoner begins a race, she/he must determine to finish the race. This mindset is crucial in the hard phases of the marathon, like miles 16 or 21. It is crucial when one reaches the Heartbreak Hill (actually a series of 5 hills) at mile 21 of the Boston Marathon. In times like this, one has to surround oneself with fellow runners who have a good mindset themselves. Otherwise, one will falter and not finish the race. Unfortunately, I have seen many runners give up at this stage in the race. Usually, they do not have role model runners who will urge them on at these stages of the marathon. 

Keeping this in mind ,the Bible urges us to always “look to Jesus the Great Marathon Athlete.” (Hebrews 12:2) 

Our Verse of the Day urges us to have the same attitude, the same mindset, the same psyche . . . as this Great Marathon Runner. 

In his marathon run, when Jesus reached Mile 21, he saw Peter, his disciple faltering. Jesus was talking about his finish, which would lead him to the Cross. Peter was full of himself. He thought he would finish strong, all in his own strength. Full of himself, he reprimanded Jesus and said, “I will protect you. I will die for you. Don’t even think about this kind of a finish.” Jesus responded, "Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap. You do not have the mindset of God. You need an attitude shift. Be humble, and you will finish well.”  (Matthew 16:23; Mark 8:33). 

A Prayer:

Oh LORD please enable me to have the same humble attitude in this marathon run called life as the Great Marathon Runner, Jesus the Messiah.