America seems to be obsessed with physical fitness. There is obvious profit in getting our bodies fit, but when compared to getting our souls fit, there is little profit. Paul said, “Bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things” (1 Tim. 4:8). However, the Bible does show that sometimes running is truly profitable. Look at the following.
“But he left his garment in her hand and fled and ran outside” (Gen. 39:12). Bible students will recognize these words describing how young Joseph dealt with the temptation of sexual sin. He knew what sin was and literally ran from the arms of the woman trying to seduce him. So many lives would be so different if men ran away from sin. Running can be profitable sometimes.
“They ran to the tent; and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver under it” (Josh. 7:22). The Israelites had just come from destroying Jericho. When Achan took God’s treasures and hid them in his tent, disaster struck. When it became obvious what Achan had done, righteous men ran to deal with sin. We need to learn the immediate danger of sin and deal with it as soon as possible. We need to learn to run and deal with ungodliness in the midst of His people.
“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it” (Hab. 2:2). Habakkuk, the messenger of God, was sent to deliver heaven’s message to the Jews. God told him to write the message so plainly that when men heard the message they would immediately flee from the coming judgment. Two points become obvious. First is the importance of Christians clearly presenting God’s message. Political correctness never works when it comes to heavenly truths. The second point can never be forgotten. When we learn of the coming judgment of God against sin, we must turn away and run from it. Running can be profitable.
“So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah . . .” (Acts 8:30). The man from Ethiopia was seeking for God, and Philip ran to teach him. Think about this for a moment. What is the only response we should have in trying to take the gospel to the lost? Running can be profitable.
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). The Jewish Christians addressed in this book had begun their walk with the Lord so well, but after time passed, their devotion cooled. The Spirit’s message to them was to remind them of the only race which truly matters. Hence the words “run with endurance.” We must never give up in this race. Running can be profitable.
May we run the race that ends with a crown of life!