Recently I have been so challenged to be better at self control. So many times in this life I find myself being controlled by my flesh or by the things that are comfortable, that I end up becoming complacent and apathetic. There's nothing worse than being run by your flesh and not even caring.
The way that Satan keeps me in this trap is so sneaky sometimes. Because he convinces me that I'm not doing anything wrong. But when I step back to look at things and pray, the Lord reveals to me how I am so driven by my flesh. When it becomes almost impossible to change my diet because I can't say no to my favorite foods: that's a problem. When I can't find the motivation to exercise because I don't feel like it: that's a problem. When I know that my attitude needs an adjustment but I don't work on it because it's difficult and uncomfortable: that's a problem.
This is one of the main reasons I love running. It's a constant challenge to keep going, to push myself, to say no to everything in me that is screaming STOP! YOU CANT DO THIS!! But I push through, I keep going, not because it's comfortable but because I am reaching towards a goal. It's a great exercise not only for my body but for my mind and spirit.
Running is about being actively challenged. And so many times we forget that as Christans, we too are being actively challenged on a moment by moment basis. Are we going to press on? Or give in to temptation? Will we give up the comfort of flesh to become more holy, more like Christ? I know I certainly want more of HIM and less of me. I don't want to be mastered by the pride of life and the temptations that are all around me. I want to be better. I need to be better.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
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