Bishop Wills' Life Journal entry for November 11, 2008 -- "Keep Running"

S: I Corinthians 9:26-27 (The Message)
I don’t know about you, but I I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

O: The church will always have critics sitting in the pews, no matter what is going on. Yet, we are not spectators. We are running toward a goal and if we run well, we will gather participants or affirm other runners to run with them. It is the goal that defines the race, and your act of running that defines you as a runner.

A: It is so very easy to get caught up thinking the church is a club rather than a race. In a race you don’t have time to complain. You must press on toward the goal.

In our culture we build people up to be leaders, only to start tearing them down once they are leaders. We spend a lot of time complaining about leaders. I know I have this tendency deep down in me. When it raises its head, I know I have gotten distracted from running the race which God has placed before me.

For me, it is important to seek out other runners and encourage those not running the race, to join in running with me. We seek the goal which is eternal life and we must not lose time in running this race.

I am running when I notice a child. I am running when I make a daily time to study scripture, reflect, and pray. (I must stay close to the coach and guide in this race). I am running when I seek justice for all people. I am running the race when I join others in telling the good news of Jesus Christ. I am running the race when I seek to make sure every child gets a quality education, especially those who are poor and often forgotten. I am running the race when I encourage other runners not to give up to the ways of the world. I am running the race when I press on toward the goal of “Thy Kingdom Come On Earth”. I am running the race when my life is about being obedient God. I do not want to be left behind, nor do I want a single person to be left behind. But I cannot give into those who want to church to remain a club where members come to be served.

P: Father thank you for today. May I encourage others to keep running. May I be one who runs each day in obedience to you. Love, Dick

Y: I give up my club mentality thinking I am here to be served.


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