"Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers." 3 John 1:2
Upon prompting a close friend to sign up for another half marathon, he texted this after completing registration, "thank you, I think???". After laughing heartily, I texted back that he could thank me by living through it. To my surprise his response was, "I would rather thrive through it." Now that is a great answer I thought! Especially considering that the definition of live is: to remain alive but the definition of thrive is: to prosper or flourish. To merely live through the race implied a goal of only finishing but to thrive suggested a goal of finishing well...having trained hard to run the race at a pace only possible through hard work and faith. If this were our approach to our Christian walk, think of the impact we could make on the world. If we were not content to merely live out our days but intent on flourishing and thriving physically and spiritually?
In 3 John 1:2, The disciple John showed his concern for his friend Gaius's physical and spiritual health when he wrote, "Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers." John knew that for his friend to perform his Christian duties well, he needed to be growing both physically and spiritually. And the same is true for us. We were made for so much more than to just live. In the words of Casting Crowns, "We were made for so much more than ordinary lives. We were made to thrive."
So if you're just living today, may this be the day you decide to thrive... to be healthy and growing stronger both physically and spiritually. It's then, when we are at our best in both areas, that we can fully perform the duties God is calling us to.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that serves to help us grow stronger in our walk with you. May we not neglect our physical or spiritual health that we might serve you best. Help us to remember that we not made to merely survive but to thrive and work tirelessly to help others and lead the lost to Salvation. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Thrive - Casting Crowns
No comments:
Post a Comment