We are Being Renewed Day by Day

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV

In an article titled “Tom Cruise Wants You to Know He's Still a Runner” published on Global Running Day last week, it was reported that the 60-year-old actor has improved his running form over the years. In one running blog’s count, as of last year, he’d run in 44 out of 52 movies. Cruise is known so much for his athleticism that there are YouTube videos documenting “Every Tom Cruise Run. Ever,” and ESPN has even called in experts to evaluate his form. Writer Ryan Hockensmith wrote, “In ‘The Outsiders’ and ‘Taps,’ Cruise runs quite a bit, and it’s a sloppy, under-developed run. It’s not until toward the end of ‘Risky Business’ in 1983 when Cruise vaults up his high school’s steps and jets through the hallways that the beginnings of a steady, faster form begins to emerge.”As so many other runners have discovered, running economy, form, endurance, and overall ability really can improve with age and experience. 

And you know, when it comes to changing with age, the Bible tells us that “our outer self is wasting away” but “our inner self is being renewed day by day.” That means although a believers physical body is dying, their spiritual bodies aren’t! The world may beat them down but their renewed mind keeps them getting up again and again! In fact, through constant training in the Word, faithful followers of Jesus will continue to improve their spiritual running economy, form, endurance and overall ability to serve—and therefore be increasingly joyful, fruitful and productive as they age and grow in knowledge. 

So if you find that your strength is waning and your pace is slowing as the years keep trickling by, don’t lose hope my friend! And don’t get discouraged over the aging process. Our purpose is to carry the light of the gospel to the world—and we can do this at every age because of the renewing power of Christ within us. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we, like Paul, can continue to serve by Your strength that makes us good as new each and every day. Lord please fill us with Your joy that we may be strengthened in spirit and equipped to serve You until the day You call us home. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!