Run: Choose Your Path

Life is full of choices. There are many paths we can choose. If we base our choices on mere feelings and desires, our hearts can lead us astray. For the heart is deceitful above all else.

This is why Scripture tells us to guard our hearts, and to take our thoughts captive. For everything we do flows from what we think and believe. As followers of Christ Jesus, however, we strive to make our thoughts obey Him.

A life that embraces Jesus as Lord (or Master) is the best news ever; It’s rewards are experienced both in heaven and here on earth. God leads the way as we become part of His greater plan. When our lives are complete we will recieve the greatest gift ever: an eternity of peace with our Creator God. This means no more suffering, death, sickness or tears. Everything that we’ve experienced in this life will fade away and we’ll recieve heaven as our home.

Therefore, as Paul the apostle so eloquently wrote, we get rid of everything that hinders us and continue to run the course marked out for us with perseverance.  In this way we won’t run our mouths, mind or hearts. God will run them for us. But those who mark out their own paths, setting their hearts only on earthly desires, will choose a path that ultimately leads to their decay and destruction.

“Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”

Philippians 3:19 (ESV)

A Contemporary Paraphrase: 

“Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.”

Philippians 3:19 The Message (MSG)

The Lord Jesus has a path marked out for us. He is the way, the truth and the life. We can run to win the prize (even rewards along the path) or we can trust in ourselves and run aground. We always have a choice. Let’s choose to persevere on the path that transforms us and saves souls.

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Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

(Photo Credit goes to Pixabay. com user ybernardi.)