You would be amazed at the stuff you see people wear while running the Peachtree Road Race. It is unbelievable! Some people dress up like the Statue of Liberty. Some people run in full army gear. Some people wear Uncle Sam type hats, paint their faces, and drape American Flags around their backs. Some people run in blue jeans and I’ve even seen a guy running in a tuxedo. This year I even saw a guy running in flip flops! Can you say “blisters”? Trust me when I say you will be amazed at what you see people running in at the world’s largest 10K.
It is important to note that those runners that win and compete for a position at the Peachtree do not wear crazy clothes. They actually dress like runners. They wear clothes that help them run faster and not clothes that hinder their speed. Most runners wear comfortable shoes and socks, running shorts, and a tank top. They dress to improve their run rather than hinder their run.
In Colossians 3:12 Paul says, “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”. Paul is encouraging believers to take off the attributes that prevent you from becoming the disciple Christ wants you to be and put on the attributes that resemble Christ. Paul is encouraging believers to live in accordance with their identity in Christ.
When I was running track in high school, my track coach used to say “half of winning is looking like good can”. This may not be the best illustration but I think for the Christian that means knowing who you are in Christ. You can run a better race when you see yourself as a runner.
Is there anything in your life today that you need to “take off”? Do you have any thoughts or actions that are not lining up with who you are in Christ and that are dragging you down? I would encourage you to change clothes if you want to run better. Put on the attributes and attitudes of Christ. Know your identify in Christ and live that way.
Impact Ministries is committed to helping people become authentic disciples of Jesus. If you would like to learn more check out our website at impactdisciples.com.
