Biblical Success - Running the Race of Our LivesSample

Day 4 - Who do we train with?

“He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.”

Proverbs 13:20 NKJV

“Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

I Corinthians 15:33 NKJV

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Colossians 2:8 NKJV

In one sense the Race of life is a solitary race that we run alone. But in a larger sense we train with others and run as a part of a body. Who we train with becomes part of who we are and who we become. The influence of others can be huge asset for good or, unfortunately, for not so good. In the big picture of our race of life we have a great model, Jesus, and a great personal trainer, His Holy Spirit, and even a book of written instructions! They are the constants of our lives, available to us 24/7, and unchanging in their commitment to Truth and our well being and success in the race. But then there are many others that have the ability to influence us who have skin on or had it! And this is where our intentionality and choices enter in. Everyone who presents themselves to us as a Christian may not be, or may be but may not be helpful. Jesus was clear when He said there would be wolves in sheep’s clothing and Paul (II Corinthians 11:13-15) and John (II John 1:7) warned against false teachers and heretics. But perhaps a more dangerous warning today comes to us from Dietrich Bonhoeffer the German martyr who warns us against “cheap grace.” Cheap grace basically teaches that we can win our race without cost or commitment to training. Cheap grace says “Just pray 4 spiritual laws and get a free ticket to heaven.” In a sense this is true but only part of the whole story. We are born again when we repent and receive Christ, but at that moment we also step onto the track and then we run our race for the rest of our lives on earth. How we run will make a difference in eternity. So, who we train with is significant. Who has influence beyond our Big Three” with us? Who do you look to? Let’s share some resources. I’ll start, I love to read books by A.W.Tozer and Andrew Murray. How about you?