It's Better to Run With the Group

It Is Better to Run With a Group!

Neither schedules, nor running paces have often allowed for me to run with a partner, but when I have, the miles have flown by! Not only does the time go faster, I go faster. I remember very well the early morning runs on the dirt roads in and around Kisongo, Tanzania with my buddy Mike Reese. I almost always ran at a faster pace with him than when on my own. Neal Pollard and Bob Turner have had the same effect on me in the oxygen-deprived altitude of Denver.

The same dynamic happens on race day. There are so many like-minded people that the air is filled with excitement. You can feel it! The enthusiasm is so contagious that most runners actually have to make a conscious decision to not go out too fast when the gun sounds. Every runner loves race day!

Regardless the interest, there is always something special about sharing an activity with others who love it as much as you!

And this is why it is so important for Christians to “run with the group” as often as possible! Whether it is the regular assembly times or other specially scheduled events, we need to be with each other! It is there that we both receive and give encouragement (Heb. 10:24, 25). These are the times when we share our common interests and ambitions and enjoy the enthusiasm of our commonality.

On the other hand, when we choose to not come together, we are distancing ourselves from God and His people, which will ultimately lead to a cooling of our enthusiasm. This is precisely why God said to not do it. Anyone who stays away will eventually go away.

So let’s not miss out on any opportunity to run with the group!