Consistency

Did you see the news about Rachel Entrekin? She ran and won the Cocodona 250. She beat everyone in record pace; every man and woman finished behind her. Consider this. Rachel ran 250 miles in a little over 56 hours at a pace of 13.20 per mile. The race took her through winding trails in Arizona with an elevation gain of 38,000’ until she crossed the finish line in Flagstaff. She told reporters she slept three times on the bare ground: five minutes and two seven-minute periods, for a total of nineteen minutes. As a poor recreational runner, I’m in total awe of Rachel’s astonishing achievement.

It’s interesting to me how often we compare ourselves to others. Why is it so hard for us to be satisfied with who God has called us to be? God has not called me to run an ultramarathon. But even if I only run a few miles a week and never run the half-marathon again, I’m still a runner.

What does this mean for my running? Is Entrekin the standard now, and if I’m unable to run 250 miles, should I quit running? That is nonsense. Even though I’ll never run 250 miles, I can still be a runner. Likewise, when it comes to spiritual growth, if you compare yourself to other Christians or ministers who spend hours in Scripture weekly, you may decide you can’t measure up, so why even try? However, even fifteen minutes a day in Scripture and prayer could be life-transforming. Furthermore, every moment you choose to shut out the noise and chaos of the world and focus your attention and affections on God is valuable and beneficial.

I’m going to do my best to run the half-marathon while being amazed at the achievements of athletes like Rachel Entrekin. I need to remember that there is no average mile pace for a 60-year-old male because the average 60-year-old isn’t running. If you spend fifteen minutes a day in Scripture and prayer, you will be well above average. You may not become a preacher or the next great teacher of the Word, but if you consistently spend fifteen minutes a day in the Word and prayer, you will be a growing and transforming Christian. Well done!

Spiritual Growth

It was hard to believe. Last year, I learned I had congestive heart failure. Thankfully, I have been able to get my ejection fraction number back into the normal range, but still technically considered to be a person with heart failure with improved ejection fraction. Nonetheless, I have decided to train for another half-marathon this fall. I figure I may be the only 61-year-old running with congestive heart failure. I’m not sure I can do it again, but I know I want to try it and see if it’s possible.

              To carry out this goal, I know I’ll need to lose weight before starting my more intense training in August. Knowing how to lose weight is not rocket science. I need to consistently do four things. I need 7-9 hours of sleep per day, don’t ask me how I’m doing in this area. I must eat a well-balanced meal made up of whole foods, high in protein and fiber. Next, I must keep my body moving and, finally, I must be in a caloric deficit.

              My greatest desire is not to run a half-marathon but to be transformed more into the likeness of Jesus. As with a healthy diet, there are steps we must take to grow in Christlikeness, for no one ever drifts toward God. Every day, we must have the intake of Scripture and a posture of prayer. Third, we must gather weekly with the saints, as you will never become a healthy Christian apart from the gathered church. Finally, you must continually put yourself in positions where you do good and bless others.

It’s not hard to know how to be a healthy Christian. Putting it into practice is difficult. Make consistent practice of small, simple daily habits. Read, pray, gather, and bless. You will begin to see yourself transform. Begin today and continue every day. You will begin to see results.