The right running partner can make all the difference in the world. I’m traditionally a solo runner when I found when running my first marathon that about 15K in I was running with the same group. So, I stayed with them as much as possible. I even finished with a gentleman who I ran “with” for at least 10 miles. It was so helpful during the hard times to have other runners. If I fell behind, I worked hard to never let them get too far ahead. It was encouraging to see others struggling but still trying and pushing through to the end. It was fun to “race” them at the end when we all knew we were going to make it. Good running companions push you but bad runner companions will destroy your run. They run too slow to too fast. They aren’t interested in encouraging or supporting you. It’s all about them and not about the group.
It so so important to find the right running group for our spiritual run. Solomon tells us that companionship with the wise makes us wise but companionship with fools will bring us harm. Later in Proverbs Solomon would put it this way: “Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27)
The right spiritual running group makes you a better and strong Christian.
👟They encourage you.
👟They push you to be better.
👟They hold you accountable.
👟They support you when the run gets hard.
The wrong group will:
👟 Discourage you or poke fun at you for your run.
👟 Tell you you are perfect just the way you are.
👟 Let you do or pursue whatever you want.
👟 Cut bait when things get hard.
Be careful when choosing the running group you run with for your spiritual race. The right group will help you finish and finish strong. The wrong group will cause you harm.
Finally, be sure you are a good running partner to others! Don’t be a bad partner but expect good partners for yourself. If you want to have a good spiritual running group, then you need to be a good spiritual teammate for others. We cannot expect to only reap benefits of a good group but do nothing for others in the group. It doesn’t work that way. If you want good teammates, you yourself need to be a good teammate.
Remember, iron sharpens iron and the companionship of the wise makes you wise. BUT – the friendship with fools will cause you harm- in this life and the next. #runningtherace
Adonai's Appeal 