Moving Parts

If we are all running, with our own style, and pace, and with differing destinations, might it be expected that chaos could happen, with people colliding into each other, tripping over each other, and getting nowhere fast? Sure. We have a calling not only to run the race and to run it well, but also to embrace unity. Unlike many races, our race is more cooperative than competitive. Collaboration is key, with every moving part coherent. The invitation to live faithfully is also an invitation to live in decency and order. God Himself leads us, and when we align ourselves with Him, blessings abound, when we obey.

The well-run race is a race run by many like-minded runners. There will come a day when we will all move in one accord. At the end is a beginning which is simply glorious, never-ending, present with Him in the New Jerusalem, in the presence of the Lord. The well-run race is run by nations, a gathered people investing time, talent, and treasure in the ways of the Lord. "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write... I know your works. Behold I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept My word, and not denied My name... I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown." Revelation 3:7,8,11

The well-run race is run by families, raised in the fear and the admonition of the Lord. The wisdom of God is as fuel for the running of this race: "Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children..." Deuteronomy 4:9

The well-run race appreciates couples: Where two or more are gathered together in My name, there will I be in the midst of them... partners, friends, as 'iron sharpens iron' ... husbands and wives, being perfected through the mutual attributes of love and respect. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toll. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9,10

"For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking in reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless let each individual among you also love his own wife as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respects her husband." Ephesians 5:30-33
The well-run race appreciates individuals, where every part of 'the body' in the race has value: "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:26,27

So, as life offers us its 'moving parts' let us offer ourselves as moving parts, reflecting His splendor, to meet the challenges of each day, giving God the praise for every mercy, and each touch of grace, knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord... 'because He lives...', and all along the way, as Al Green would prompt, 'Let's stay together.' Lets 'continue' well, 'All to the glory of God.' Lets find in every challenge, within each trial, an opportunity to bless.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, in Jesus' name, have Your way with me. Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington