Psalm
112:4
Unto
the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of
compassion, and righteous.
Jerry
and Ed were different as night and day, though they were the best of friends.
Jerry loved fun and games, and it was difficult for him to be serious about
anything for very long. Ed was studious and hardworking, and nothing swayed him
from his course, once his mind was made up. The two boys decided they were
going to enter a ten-mile run sponsored by their school. Ed practiced every
day, exercising and running, and eating foods that would get him in shape.
Jerry exercised occasionally, ran a few times, and paid little attention to his
diet. When the race came and went, Ed was leading the pack and Jerry couldn't
even finish.
Leading an upright life prepares us for the
race that God has waiting for us. Our spiritual fitness puts us in shape to run
that race of life. Without a healthy spirit, we cannot hope to finish. Life
without God beats us down and defeats us. Life in the Spirit lifts us above any
obstacle and empowers us to meet every challenge.
Prayer: Like Paul the Apostle, I want to run
the good race and fight the good fight. Make me fit to be a member of Your
team, Lord. Inspire me to prepare my spirit to meet all the challenges which
might come my way. Amen.
