"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9,10
Ed Whitlock of Canada set a world record for 85-year-olds when he ran a 1:50:47 half marathon April 24th in Waterloo, Ontario. Although he surpassed the previous record by more than nine minutes and had an impressive time for someone of any age, Whitlock said that he was not satisfied with his performance and wanted to be faster. With that goal in mind, he stated that he would go after more records this summer. Ed ended by saying, "Even though I set the world record last weekend, I was not that happy about it, because I didn’t run as well as I thought I ought to. I only get antsy about getting slower when I’m getting slower faster than I ought to."
Unfortunately, all of us will slow down with time (some less than others as this story illustrates). And while growing older is inevitable, we should never allow aging to decrease or diminish our spiritual growth. In fact, as we mature, we should be growing more! In his letter to the church in Philipi, Paul said, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.." He was praying that their understanding of Christ would continue to multiply and increase so that they would be "pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness.." Paul knew that Christ's return could happen at any time and the church needed to be ready. Not just ready though, he wanted them to be more than ready-flourishing and ever growing that they would be found steeped in and full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
May you and I never come to a point where we are satisfied with our spiritual performance or growth either. Instead may we continue 'training' in the Word each and every day because, as Loretta Lynn once said, "You've got to continue to grow or you are just like last night's cornbread-stale and dry."
Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder that getting older does not mean that we are to rest on what we already know. May we continue to set goals of increasing our knowledge of you as we 'train' in the Word daily. And may we never be satisfied with our accomplishments as we continually pursue greater goals. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Running - Hillsong live
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