Many of you know that over the weekend, I teamed up with 11 other guys and ran a 195.5 mile relay race from Chattanooga to Nashville. Each of us had 3 legs ranging between 3.8 and 8.9 miles, with out total mileage between 12 and 22 each. The relay started Friday morning , went all night, through the dark and cold, and we continued until we reached the finish line in downtown Nashville late Saturday afternoon. It was a crazy night, our team with 160 other teams running through no where Tennessee with head lamps and reflective jackets. However, through all the decorated vans, sore hamstrings, bottles of Gatorade and packets of Goo, the one thing that continues to surprise me was one question. There was one question I was asked repetitively in the weeks leading up to the race, during the race and even after the race. “What do you do this for? What Charity?”
Every time I was asked I paused and then with regret said “None, it’s just for funsies.” I felt bad that I wasn’t raising money or raising awareness of some cause. But really it wasn’t just for funsies, although I did find it to be a great time. It was more about challenging myself, using the gifts that God has blessed me with and “buffeting my body” each and every day. I think it’s good for us to continue to find things that help strengthen our bodies for service to Him. For me, being able to push my body physically and keep it fit, helps me realize the spiritual strength that is also available to me, although it’s manifested in another way. For you, it may be something different, but all us need to remember that this physical body is a gift from God and something that we need to use for his Glory
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, New International Version
So why did I do this, I did it to in some sort of weird way to bring honor God by keeping my body fit and ready for service. Today, keep finding ways to buffet your body, and bring it under subjection both spiritually and physically, and bring glory to your creator.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 ESV