In a story titled “RUNNERS TACKLE 'KRISPY KREME CHALLENGE' FOR CHARITY: 5 MILES AND 12 DONUTS” published Saturday, the writer said:
2400 calories, a dozen donuts, 5 miles, and one hour.
Hundreds of people gathered at the NC State Memorial Belltower to run 2.5 miles to the Krispy Kreme at Peace and Person Streets, to then eat 12 donuts, and turn around and run back.
"It's not fun on the way back, that's for sure, it's donuts in the stomach that don't want to stay down there, that's for sure," one veteran runner told us.
His strategy: drink water while you're eating the donuts.
Others came along for moral support, and maybe a little gastronomic rescue. "We're just going to keep an eye on him just in case I need to resuscitate him pump his stomach or something we're here for support," said Kendra Bland.
One by one, dodging the elements, and queasy stomachs to enjoy a sweet win at the finish line.
In the end, not just a rite of passage, but a good cause that sees 100% of the profits go to support the UNC Children's Hospital.
And, you know, when it comes to rites of passage intended for good, biblical rites of passage can be defined as significant events marking spiritual, emotional, or physical transitions from one life stage to another--often celebrating a shift into maturity, responsibility, or a deeper covenant relationship with God.
Which means every believer that desires a deeper relationship with God must willingly undergo the rite of passage of putting off their old self and then putting on their new self, “created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Believers must throw off or lay aside their former, corrupt, and dishonest way of life and sinful habits and be "renewed in the spirit" of their minds. Which means there must be a constant, spiritual transformation of one's thoughts, attitudes, and mindset. This involves believers to embrace a new, God-like nature characterized by true righteousness and holiness.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
In this way, they show themselves to be "a new creation" and not merely a refurbished one since "the old has passed away,” meaning it’s completely gone, and "the new has come." It can be described as a daily process of changing "clothes,” where the old, corrupt self is replaced by the new nature given by Christ. Is that awesome or what? It's further proof that a person can indeed escape from their "deceitful desires" and old patterns of life when they're willing to fully surrender their lives to Jesus.
So, don't buy into the lie that you were born a certain way, or destined to continue in a pattern of sin because that's the way you've been for so long my friend. God can make you new if you are willing to put off your old self and put on your new self that is found in Jesus Christ. And trust me when I say this… you’ll love the new self!
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that a person doesn't have to remain as they are but can change by the power of Jesus Christ. Help us to share this message of hope with the world Lord so that those held in bondage by their sinful thought patterns or actions might find the will and the power to break their chains and live a righteous life in You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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