“’I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have a right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12

Jesus, the Only Master

Ever notice that the same things we are free to do in our freedom are the very same things that can trip us up until they become a snare for us? How easy it is to then become dependent on that part of our freedom, and unwittingly begin to worship the created, rather than the Creator.

I like to run. I have called myself “a runner” for many years, and my running has taken on different forms at different times. I may run outdoors on rough, hilly terrain, or indoors on an inclined treadmill), but always, running has been my go-to sport of choice. I like how running challenges my mind and muscles while settling my emotions.

The discipline of learning to endure through painful trials is good soul medicine. But like any good thing, if left unchecked, it can rule and enslave me.

Since I never want anything good to become my master, I have learned a simple way to surrender my running to the LORD. I pray about my scheduled running plan for the week. I ask Him to come along and speak to me while I run. I even ask Him to coach me.

Usually, I feel free to just run and not give it a second thought. Often, I hear God speaking to me about things completely not related to running while I run. But sometimes, I sense He wants me to do something different than what I had planned.  Surprisingly, sometimes I sense Him encouraging me to go faster or farther.  Sometimes I sense Him encouraging me not to run at all. I know that He knows when I need rest, even if I don’t realize it. I also know that since Jesus Christ is my Master, He can usurp my running plans at any time, and I don’t have to know the reason.

As long as I keep this area of my life submitted to Him, it will continue to be a good thing. But if I ever get to the point where I just HAVE to run, and won’t be satisfied if I miss a day or mile regardless of the cost to myself or others, then I know that I am no longer serving the Lord. I am now serving a different master. May it never be.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV).

Dear Lord Jesus, please show us any area of our lives that may not be submitted to You this day. May You always be our only Master. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.