"You people aren't faithful to God! Don't you know if you love the world, you are God's enemies? And if you decide to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God." James 4:4 CEV
In an article published yesterday titled, "Why It’s Essential to Embrace the Heat," running coach David Roche said, "Everyone is affected by heat; it’s inevitable, and you need to embrace it. Because if you don’t make heat your friend, you are doomed to spend some of the most beautiful months each year getting intimate with misery." And while embracing, or willingly accepting, the rising temperatures might make it easier to mentally adapt to summer running, the slower race times and danger of dehydration they bring do not make heat our friend. You see, a friend is one that is on our side, opposite of an enemy, and not opposed to us.
And while there will still be many runners that love running in the heat, there's one thing that none of us should ever love... the world. You see, James was very clear that if you and I idolize, or pursue the pleasures, possessions or positions of this life rather than seeking to follow Jesus, we are actually opposed to Him and make ourselves “God’s enemies.” Did you get that part? We make ourselves His enemies. There is no middle ground-by our actions we choose to be God's friend or His foe. It's just that simple.
So if you’re honest, how would you describe your relationship with God at this very moment? Would you say that you are on His side? I sure hope so. Because God truly wants to call you friend today.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that we are either for You or against You. Help us to fully grasp that there is no middle ground that we might be inspired to renew our pursuit of You. Help us to see that everything the world says is "essential" to enjoying life are just cheap substitutes for the enjoyment only You can provide. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
What a friend I've found - Lincoln Brewster
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