The Purdue “Co-Rec” is a wonderful place for students to enjoy all kinds of athletic activities. The name “Co-Rec” is short for Co-Recreational Center but we all just knew it as the “Co-Rec.” The “Co-Rec” provided ample space for the students to pursue a wide foray of athletic endeavors. I used to dread running at the Co-Rec. Running is hard work, but the physical benefits derived from running are motivating. The track at the Co-Rec is small and is elevated above four basketball courts. The air circulation was poor and I would get cramps in my side every time I ran. In order to pass the time, I would watch the other people on the track with great attentiveness. On one occasion, I noticed that some people were just walking and talking with a fellow exercise partner; they appeared to be having a good time while accomplishing little physical exertion. Other people flew by me for a couple of laps and then disappeared to the sidelines. Still others were running just as steady as I. I began to think about the spiritual parallels between this occasion and the enduring run of the Christian. As Christians, the way in which we run the Christian race manifests the intensity of our spiritual dedication. We seem to fall into four categories with regard to our spiritual dedication.

Some people don’t even make it out to the track. They don’t realize that there is a race to run. Christ calls us to be obedient and in order to be obedient we must follow His word. This concept seems too complicated for some but is, in reality, truly simple. Jesus says that if we love Him we will keep His commandments. (John 14:15)

Many people get on the track but never expend much energy. You cannot endure if you do not put any effort into your relationship with God. Many of us understand the will of the Lord, but we take it for granted; as a result, we do little to promote personal growth. Peter admonishes us to add to our faith virtue and to virtue knowledge, etc. (2 Peter 1:5 - 7) How many of us can honestly say that we are growing and abounding in Christian qualities such as diligence, patience, knowledge and self-control? It is very easy to begin the course to heaven, but it is also very easy to not do much along the way.

Some people fly around the track a couple of times, exerting all of their energy at the beginning of the race. They soon tucker out and quit the race altogether. Their false pretense is soon evident when they quickly lose stamina. They begin the race quickly but take Christ for granted at the same time. They turn the idea of being a Christian into a social event while only outwardly appearing to be righteous. Jesus accused the Pharisees of being white washed tombs—they looked good from the outside but were empty of anything spiritual. We need to be careful to let our spirituality shine from within.

Lastly, some people run a steadfast race along the course to heaven. “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Heb 12:1) Those who understand this mission look to Jesus as the author and the finisher of our faith. He endured the suffering and the shame of the cross. We that run with endurance must emulate Christ so that we too can surround the throne of God.

What about you today? Are you running the race with endurance? Have you begun the race? Are you emulating Christ by the way in which you run? Christ said that we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Him. Get on track today and run your spiritual race with endurance, striving for the prize of the upward calling of God.