“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.” Titus 3:14 NIV
On July 18, a diverse group of runners gathered together to support Operation Christmas Child by bringing packed shoe boxes and donations to the start line of the Ultra Sweaty Santa 6-Hour Endurance Run in lieu of a standard registration fee (the boxes that were collected will be stored until November and then shipped out by Samaritan’s Purse to children in remote parts of the world). And although the generosity of the participants didn’t surprise me since runners are the most open-handed and giving people I’ve ever met (check out the number of charity runs they put on and participate in every year), it did renew my appreciation for people who are willing to do good to people they don’t even know. Runners, it seems, are always looking for ways to do good. In fact, Saturday’s race was first held in 2017 to benefit the town of Devils Elbow after it was hit hard by a flood. The race continued thereafter when the event planners looked for another good reason to carry on with the ultramarathon; and just like that, the annual race that is now commonly referred to as the Christmas in July Run was born.
And you know, doing good was something Jesus was known for—and something the apostle Paul said that “our people” should be known for as well. In fact Paul said the body of Christ should “devote” themselves to doing good so as not to “live unproductive lives.” And could there then be any more productive or fruitful way to spend our days than by looking for needs to fill and then filling those needs? Of course not! There is certainly no better way to avoid being unproductive and attract, entice and inspire the lost to follow Jesus than by doing good.
So if devoting ourselves "to doing what is good" means to give all or a large part of our time or resources to the cause, let us indeed look for ways we can use the resources, time, and talents the Lord has blessed us with to bless others. After all, you and I have only this one life to give in service to the Lord, and we serve Him best when we serve others.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to always be looking for ways to provide for the needs of others. Cause us to remember that kind deeds and words have the power to influence the lost to seek the Giver of all good things. Give us a passion to set the world on fire for You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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