Give Your Life as a Tribute to God

"Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules." 1 Kings 10:25 BSB

In a story titled “Endurance Runner to Enter Finger Lakes on “Run for America’” published yesterday, it was reported that endurance athlete Noah Coughlan is on the verge of making history as only the third person to traverse every U.S. state entirely on foot.

Coughlan recently completed his run across Vermont — his 42nd state — and entered New York near Hoosick, marking his 43rd state on his nationwide journey. His route through New York is expected to take him through Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo.

Coughlan is undertaking the effort as part of his “Run For America: A Tribute to the American People,” a solo endurance run honoring everyday Americans and military veterans while promoting unity and appreciation for the nation’s shared history. He runs alone, pushing a jogging stroller, carrying his supplies, and flying a large American flag.

Despite winter weather, physical fatigue, and the demands of long-distance running, Coughlan has continued forward, making personal connections along the way with World War II veterans, active-duty service members, elected officials, students, and members of the public…

As of late December 2025, Coughlan was well into the northeastern portion of his journey. He is expected to finish the continental United States in Oregon around May 2026, then run approximately 1,000 miles across Alaska before completing his journey across all 50 states on July 4, 2026, in Honolulu, Hawaii — coinciding with the nation’s 250th birthday.

And, you know, giving a tribute to a person or group who's deserving of it because of something they did or the status they hold is nothing new. Tributes in the form of money, goods, or labor were routinely made by one nation or ruler to another as a sign of submission or allegiance in the Old Testament times. For instance, during the reign of King Solomon, Israel was a dominant power, and many neighboring nations brought tribute to him, acknowledging his authority and seeking peace. The Bible tells us that "Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules."

From a spiritual perspective, the concept of paying or 'giving a tribute' can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's duty (that's us!) to honor God, the Ruler of the universe, with their time, talents, and treasures. Just as nations paid tribute to acknowledge the authority of a ruler, Christians are called to offer their lives as a living sacrifice to God, recognizing His sovereignty and lordship.

"I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1-2

 

This is something we do by giving thanks to the Lord with our whole hearts and fully giving of our time, talents, and treasures to make His great Name known (recounting all His wonders to the world) and to expand the Kingdom. After all, God owns everything and there's absolutely nothing we can give Him that He has not first given to us. In light of that, our tribute to God can only be our undivided devotion, a lifetime of service, and lips that continually sing praise to the Name of the "Most High." 

"Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Romans 12:1

So, on account of God's great mercy and ultimate authority, vow to give your life as a tribute to Jesus my friend—by offering your body and your life as a living sacrifice, "holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Running the race for Him won't be easy. But continue pressing forward despite any obstacles, even if you have to do it alone, knowing it will be worth it in the end. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, in light of the great mercies you have graciously bestowed on us, we are to give our lives as tribute to You. Help us to do this joyfully Lord that we might never lose the strength to serve You and so that others would be inspired to seek You by our examples. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!