Carol J German

The life of a believer can be likened to running a marathon. It is a long way, and you have to do your part to reach the finish line. You must remain active as you move forward or you will thwart God’s plan that He has for you.

Your faith walk is active as well as tiring. Have you ever seen a jogger look refreshed? They have the appearance of sweat and strain as they keep focused on their next steps. They want to reach the finish line for they are jogging with a purpose.

You are jogging with a purpose when you walk with Christ.

When you are a man or woman of God, your days are full of active verbs that keep you moving forward. While God does offer respite times, you are called to be spiritually active in your day. Paul shares with his partner in faith, Timothy, how to jog with a purpose; how to live an honorable life for the Lord. In 1 Timothy 6:11-21, you learn how to jog properly where you are worshipping God in every area of your life.

Pay attention to all the verbs that are used. The first verb is to run. You are to move away from all evil things. You are called to abide in Christ and do the things that please and honor the Lord. The world’s ways are not pleasing to God, so be careful.

Next, pursue righteousness and a godly life. This can only take place when you are surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Repent of your sins and submit yourself to the things that please and honor God. Pursue faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. These are the very attributes of God. Get to know who God is by knowing the Bible, then emulate Him.

“Fight the good fight for the true faith.”¹² You are called to stand up for truth while you jog your way in this dark world. Praise God for He sent Jesus to be the light in the darkness. He will lead you with each step you take forward.

You are to hold tightly to eternal life. Keep it in view for it will help in reaching the finish line. It will keep you strong and focused when you reach certain legs of the race that are tiring, frustrating, boring perhaps. You will feel like quitting at some points, but keeping what lies ahead in view will keep you active and moving forward.

God has called you to these things for you will be an example for others to follow. Run well.

Here is a verb that trips many joggers up, it is obey. You are to obey God, not anyone or anything else, including yourself. You are not to waver with this verb. This is the number one action step where Satan will do everything he can to deter you from doing it. Why? Because He is disobedient, thus, God kicked him out of heaven; read Ezekiel 28:11-19.

Until Jesus returns, jog in a way that no one can find fault with you; see verse 14.

What a glorious day that will be. It is why we jog with a purpose! Christ will be revealed. It will only happen at just the right time, God’s time. What do you learn about God from verses 15-17? May these truths strengthen your weary legs and tired mind to keep jogging.

God teaches you along the way as you jog. You are called to teach others what you learn. One way you are called to teach is to help others to trust God, not money. Excess money makes one proud. Money is a counterfeit god. While it looks reliable and trustworthy to give you what you need, it isn’t. Money can buy worldly things, but you know that all worldly things have a shelf life and will burn up in the end. They are not eternal. Help others to look to Jesus, who is eternal, for enjoyment. He will fill your life with good things. Let money be a tool in helping others and filling their needs.

As you jog, you are to store up treasures that lay a good foundation for the future, then you will experience true life.

“Guard what God has entrusted to you.”²⁰ You are to live out (or jog) what God has called you to. Avoid godless discussions with people who are not interested in jogging with a purpose. Many are jogging to gain for themselves in the here and now. Many started out running for Jesus, but they have petered out and are running away from God.

Paul warns Timothy that this is foolishness. It is vital to jog with a purpose, God’s purpose, or else you will lose your footing and trip. You will never see the eternal finish line that is waiting for you. Keep active and focused as God helps you to jog home.