God's Coaching #126

God's Coaching #126

Blink and you’d miss him. Well, almost. On this day in 1954, a British medical student named Roger Bannister became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. His new world record was 3::594, to be exact. Roger will always be remembered as the first person to break the four-minute barrier, but he didn’t do it alone. Two other racers ran with him to help him keep up the fast pace.

Some runners might have called off the record attempt that day. The wind was blowing, and it could have slowed down the runners. But with 3,000 spectators watching, Roger went for it and became the fastest man in the world in the mile. His record didn’t last long, though. His rival, Australian John Landy, set a new record a month later by running the mile in 3::579. Since then the record has been broken a number of times. In 1999, Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj ran the mile in 3::4313. That’s fast!

What’s the Score?

The Bible talks a lot about running. It usually encourages us to run toward something, to keep running, or not to give up. But Amos 5:14 has a different message: “Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live!” That’s smart advice.

Too often, we try to get as close to sin as we can without actually sinning. It’s in our nature to get close to the line, but it’s also something we should fight against. Temptation is like a poisonous snake. If you poke it with a stick, you will get bitten. The best way to deal with a viper? Run away. Fast. That’s what Amos is telling us to do with evil. Get as far away from temptation as possible, as quickly as possible—like Roger Bannister sprinting for the four-minute mile. Think of him the next time you’re staring at temptation. Then get up and run away—fast—for your life.

On the Ball

Run a mile and write down your time. The next time you’re facing a big temptation, get up, and go run another mile. The bigger the temptation, the faster you should go. See if you can beat your personal record.

Coach’s Comment

Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. Amos 5:14