Live in Such a Way

So, the name of this blog is “Run in Such a Way”.  This comes from 1 Corinthians 9:24, which calls us to run in such a way as to get the prize.  To constantly remember our own Christian race and seek to have transformed minds, lives and hearts.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)

But this morning, I found a similar verse in 2 Corinthians:

We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. 2 Corinthians 6:3 (NLT)

Not only do our lives need to be spent pursuing something (the prize), but also avoiding two things.  First, we don’t want to do anything that will cause another believer to stumble.  At home, our spouses and kids are watching us all the time and taking mental notes on what we do and say.  At work, our Christian friends do pay attention and take our lead, for better or worse.  We don’t want to do anything to lead someone else into sin. 

Often times, that means choosing not to do something that someone else thinks is wrong even though you know it is ok.  Other times, we might need to do something we know is unnecessary rather than argue with someone over a non-issue.  That was Paul’s approach as he dealt with converted Jews who clung onto the Jewish traditions and ceremonies.  He would go along if it helped to keep them from stumbling.

Second, we want to avoid anything that will cause someone to doubt our ministry.  We’ve all seen churches that made the news because of the impropriety of the pastor.  What doesn’t make the news are the individuals that stay away from Christ because they’ve observed the behavior of Christians and want nothing to do with it.  One word or deed is all it takes to discredit us, and by association Christianity.

What do we do when we mess this one up? My best advice to own up to it, apologize and move on.  It is a powerful (and attractive) thing when people actually get to hear a heartfelt apology and a sincere effort to make amends.

May God give us the will and the way to live our lives in such a way…

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