Have you ever run ahead of group? Maybe you’ve told your children not to run ahead? Since I’m a runner, if runners run ahead of the bike lead and they don’t know the map they’ll get lost and the entire race is ruined for them. (I never have this problem since I’m never racing the bike lead!) They can get hurt because they don’t know what’s ahead. And sometimes they even lead others runners astray who trust them because their out in front.
So, what happens when we run ahead of something or someone? Well, we leave the group behind and we venture out on our own. When we do that we can get lost, stumble, or hurt ourselves. And we can also lead others down the wrong path. So all and in all – it’s generally not a good thing to go too far ahead of the group and leave your guides behind.
This is exactly what John tells us about our relationship with Christ, His teachings and God. Christ’s teachings are our guide or our map. If we leave them behind, we won’t make it to our end destination – a reunion with God. When we run ahead of Christ teachings we are leaving Christ and God behind to give life a go on our own. If we do that, John is very clear. If we run ahead, we do not have God.
It is cut and dry. If you leave Christ’s teaching behind and try to give it a go on your own. You are doing it alone and that’s dangerous. You’ll get lost. You’ll get hurt. And you’ll lead others down the wrong way too. God will not be with you.
So, when you get the itch to run ahead and try things out on your own and want to live life according to your rules not Christ’s. Don’t. Because if you do, God is not with you and you will be truly alone and ultimately lost.
So, follow Christ’s guidepost and don run ahead. God will make sure you don’t get lost.
Adonai's Appeal 