“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” Philippians 2:14-15 NLT
In an article titled “Kenyan Athletes Shine Bright at Bangsaen21 Half Marathon in Thailand,” published yesterday, it was reported that The Bangsaen21 Half Marathon, a prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label road race hosted in Chonburi, Thailand, witnessed an exhilarating showcase of Kenyan excellence as Gladys Chepkurui and Mathew Kimeli triumphed in their respective categories under demanding weather conditions. Chepkurui seized victory in the women’s division, displaying remarkable strength as she completed the race in 1:09:46. Her outstanding performance placed her comfortably 17 seconds ahead of her compatriot, Sheila Chepkirui, securing a standout one-two finish for Kenya. Meanwhile, in a fiercely contested men’s race, Kimeli held off Ethiopia’s Tsegaye Getachew, crossing the finish line in 1:03:39, a mere six seconds ahead of Getachew’s 1:03:45… The Bangsaen21 Half Marathon highlighted the extraordinary talent and determination of Kenyan athletes, showcasing their dominance and resilience on the international racing stage.
And you know, when it comes to shining bright, the Bible tells us that we will shine “like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people” when we “do everything without complaining and arguing” (so that no one can criticize us) and “live clean, innocent lives as children of God.” In other words, when we continually strive for righteousness and show ourselves to be radically different from the world by the way we speak and act (not willing to compromise on the Truth in any way, and loving those who the world deems unlovable and people who don’t love us back), the lost will be drawn to the light of Jesus that we will naturally emanate. And when they are drawn to us, we can point them to Jesus… the One whom we wholeheartedly follow and the One who inspires us to imitate Him and not the world.
So in a world that’s growing darker by the day, choose to shine bright my friend! Especially now, when so many people are searching for the hope and the light that’s found only in Jesus. Choose to live on fire for Christ! Choose to, in the words of John Wesley, “Light yourself on fire with passion” so that people will come from miles to watch you burn.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are honored by our pursuit of excellence and being people of integrity. Help us to not settle for being mediocre Christians but to strive to be so much like You that we would shine as bright as stars on a dark winter night, lighting the way for those lost in their sin to find You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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