"As a runner, you must pay careful attention to the course because each course is different..."

Hi everyone! It's Tania, and welcome to the Moms for Christ podcast. Recently, my daughter Taylor joined the cross country team. What's interesting about cross country is there's no specific course outlined - every course is different. So, when a team comes to your school to run, the coaches of the opposing team lead the runners through the course. As a runner, you must pay careful attention to the course because each course is different, and if you run the wrong way, you will be disqualified. Sometimes, as the parents are spectating, they may yell to the kids, ‘You're goin’ the wrong way! Turn around!’ Unfortunately, if someone is not there to warn the child, unbeknownst to them, they run the race in vain - running the wrong way, becoming disqualified.

In Galatians chapter 2, verse 1-2 it says, “Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the Gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.”

Paul is speaking to the churches in Galatia. He's upset because the people are beginning to live out a gospel different than the Gospel they were given. Paul speaks about how he came to preach the Gospel he preaches. Paul speaks about how along his journey, he meets with Cephas also known as Peter. Fourteen years later, he meets with Barnabas and esteemed leaders to make sure he is running the right way - to make sure he was still running on the course. It's what God has called each of us to.

In 2 Corinthians, chapter 13 verse 5 it says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test?”

"I want my children to learn - while they're young - to examine themselves."

Unfortunately, there have been many times I have run, or thought I was running, only to realize I wasn't even on the course. I didn't take the time to examine myself, ultimately disqualifying myself. God, in His mercy, has blessed us with pastors, leaders, and His Word - standing on that course day in and day out yelling, ‘You're going the wrong way! Turn around! Get on the course!’ Sometimes, they encourage, telling you, ‘Keep going! Don't stop!’

I want my children to learn - while they're young - to examine themselves. The only way they learn is by the example I set, their father, and the church around us sets before them. I don't want them to realize a mile, two miles, or two years down the road, that they've been running in vain. In 2 Peter, chapter 1 verse 10 it says, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.”

"I pray that we would stop, and listen, and turn around - getting back on the course."

Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that Your Word is life to us. Thank You for our Pastors our leaders and our church. Thank You that Your Word is the life Lord that sustains us. Lord please forgive us for running the race in vain, failing to examine ourselves. Lord I pray that our ears would be open to hear those on the sideline yelling, ‘You're goin’ the wrong way! Stop!’ I pray that we would stop, and listen, and turn around - getting back on the course. Lord, I pray that we would be those spectators on the sidelines for our children and the people around us. I pray that we would be the ones yelling, ‘Keep going! Don’t stop!’ Amen. God bless and have a wonderful week. I will speak to you again soon.