So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. – 1 Corinthians 9:26
When I came across this verse last week, it really struck me. What is shadowboxing? The dictionary defines it as“to make the motions of attack and defense, as in boxing, as a training or conditioning procedure” or “to go through boxing motions without an opponent”. The thought intrigued me… am I just shadowboxing? Or do I run with purpose in every step?
Our Christianity isn’t a “dry run”! We only get one chance at this life, and we are told that it is indeed a fight that we are in! I want to be certain that I am fighting my true opponent, and to do that I need to understand who or what that is. So often I find myself fighting against my temporary frustrations and affliction.
I jab at my failing eyesight, pivot and kick at my pain, send a mean right hook to my lost dreams. But each motion hits only air. I am shadowboxing when I focus on these temporary enemies. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18) They are actually just distractions sent in by the real enemy to wear me down for the actual battle. (1 Peter 5:8) The true enemy is not something of this world, and I cannot fight evil by shadowboxing with these distractions, because they are not my true opponent. (Ephesians 6:12)
So what can I change to be sure that I am running with purpose in every step? The first thing that I can do is to recognize that although these things I battle are intense, they are not eternal. That will help to refocus my mind onto the things with which I should be concerned. Then I can put on the whole armor of God:
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – Ephesians 6:14-17
Now I am ready. And I need to do these things each day, not once for all time. The battle rages on, and it is much bigger than the things that go wrong inside or beside me.
Father, help me to see the eternal picture each day. In that way, help me to focus beyond myself and discover how to run with purpose. I want to run toward you! In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
