All runners have to answer this question again and again to those who ask, but also to ourselves: “Why do I run?” What is your goal? There is a more profound question underlying this question and all other questions:

Why do I live?

The Bible doesn’t mince words about it and does it in a way that runners can understand. Follow along.

Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

15-16 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.

17-19 Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street.

Philippians 3:12-19 (MSG)

The goal of life is to know God through knowing Jesus Christ. We have to come to the cross of Christ to have our sins forgiven. Then we live with Him to get to know Him more and more and so become increasingly like Him.

For those of you who know me, I often and easily get lost while running. (See this post!) We can so easily get lost in life if we chase after other inferior goals. Yes, even running this ultramarathon or achieving that time, can be a distraction from this more important goal. Being successful, being happily married, being popular can all become rabbit trails that take us away from God.

Friends, I am off and running and I won’t turn back. Jesus, I am yours alone.