I believe that one of the tremendous disservices that we do to people is make them think that their spiritual gifts, and opportunities to minister revolve solely around congregation sponsored activities. We are Christians all the time, and so we can use our gifts all the time! A couple of weeks ago I was talking to my kids about ways that they can use their gifts at times other than Lads to Leaders – and among the other ideas that we kicked around together I mentioned that they are welcome to take some time to write the bulletin article for me whenever they like! I really didn’t expect any takers, but Ashlyn said she would get that done. School was still in session, so the days went on with their normal scheduled routine and I forgot all about it. Ashlyn didn’t though. She was at school talking to her best friend Ellie about what she should write about, and in her free time she composed this essay and sent it to Mandy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Marathon to Jesus
Have you ever thought about life as a marathon? I was talking to my friend Ellie the other day and we were talking about how life is like a marathon.
When you think of life as running a marathon, you know that in a race you go through ups and downs. In this life we do too, but at the end of it all, you don’t just get a small prize, you get to go see Jesus. Think of this life as a marathon on your way of getting closer to Jesus.
Also, you need to train for a marathon, you can’t just go out and run expecting to win the gold medal. It is the same with life as a Christian. You need to start by being baptized so that you can be filled with the Holy Spirit! Then you need to learn more and more about Jesus so you can know how to run correctly, and when you mess up you need to repent so you can join him in heaven when you die. So, when you are starting or already on your path to Jesus, know that all the things that you are going through, God knows about it. He is using them to bring you and others to Jesus.
By: Ashlyn Cline
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.