"The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach," 1 Timothy 3:1,2
On May 14, Robert Young, a 33-year-old ultrarunner from London, left Huntington Beach, California, to run 3,000 miles to New York City (by June 29) to break the Trans-America crossing by foot world record of 46 days, 8 hours, and 36 minutes. Averaging more than 65 miles a day, he was right on pace to meet his goal. But nearly two-thirds of the way to Times Square, he has been accused of cheating and has slowed down amidst the controversy. Due to some recording and tracking errors, like leaving the live tracker in the RV while he was logging miles, skeptical runners analyzing GPS data have raised suspicions about his pace and raised the question of whether Young was riding in the support vehicle for portions of the route instead of running. While Robert vehemently denies deceiving anyone, the damage to his reputation will be hard to repair.
When it comes to character and reputation, the bible tells us that those people in a leadership position "must be above reproach"- living a life so untarnished and exemplary that no examination or probe would find them dishonest or deceptive. In fact, all believers, whether they are church leaders or not, should strive to live above reproach, wouldn't you agree? I wonder then, if each of us were to check ourselves against the standards Paul laid out (v.2-12), would we find that our lives raise suspicions of whether we are true followers?
John McArthur once wrote, " Your reputation reflects what people say about you. Your testimony is what your character, your behavior, and your words say about God. That’s what we need to call to mind whenever we are tempted to adapt our ethical principles for convenience’ sake. It isn’t worth the high cost to our reputation, our character, or our testimony."
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that tells us exactly what you expect of us and how we are to live. Help us to check ourselves often against the guidelines and rules you have laid out on what it means to run the good race. Help us to stay strong and focused on living lives so unblemished and exemplary that there could be no doubt that we are your followers. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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