Follow me

"Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do." Philippians 3:17

On August 1, Andy Llewellyn of Chellaston, England was enjoying his run when he felt what he described as an "almighty whack" against the back of his head. It turns out Andy was attacked by a hawk with a wingspan about four feet long who had dug its talons into the top of his skull. Despite his pain and the blood running down his face, the 44-year-old composed himself and ran back home. In fact, he ran back so fast that he managed a 5K PR saying, "I decided to just run home and get it looked at, but the best thing is I managed to beat my personal best whilst doing that. So really the bird did me a favour.” He sure kept a great attitude didn't he?

And keeping a great, or Christ-like, attitude is exactly what Paul urged us to do when he wrote, "Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters... " You see, while Paul most certainly experienced trials of many kinds where he could have lost his joy, (he had been beaten, flogged, imprisoned and persecuted for his beliefs) he never did and he never wavered in his devotion and love for the Lord. In fact, Paul's life imitated that of Jesus' so closely that he could have easily said, "if you want to grow more like Christ and reflect his great attitude, mimic me." 

You know, it was quite a testimony to Paul's character that he could tell people to live as he did and share in his mind-set, wasn't it? I wonder.. could you and I do the same? And what kind of attitude would a new follower have if they followed us? 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the saints who have gone before us to serve as examples of keeping a Christ-like attitude in the midst of life's disruptions, frustrations and difficulties. May we meditate on their words and the words of the Bible that we, too, might develop a walk so close with Jesus that we could confidently tell others to follow our example to grow closer to Christ. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Christ is enough - Hillside
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fZ-tBR7LJ0

https://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/this-dude-was-attacked-by-a-hawk-on-his-run