Coming Under

For many years, I ran alone.  I could not have imagined anything better.

About one year ago, I began running with Pete.  This required some adjustment - probably for Pete as well.   Pace,  tempo, conversations (yes, I do talk to myself while running alone), expectations all had to change.  Sometimes it is inconvenient. 

However, running with Pete has been one of the best changes to my running.  I'll elaborate at another time.   For now, the important factor is that when we run together, I run behind Pete about 50% of the time.  40% of the time we run next to each other (when the trail is wide enough).  

50% of time running with Pete, I follow.  I've become a better runner by following Pete.  He knows how to approach a hill, how to keep his heart rate constant, how to pick a path, when to push and when to ease up.  He knows how to persevere.  I benefit by following.  I benefit by "coming under" Pete.  It is not a burden to follow Pete.

Last night, our pastor, John Piper, answered questions from people in the congregation.  Topics included the emergent church, "Common Ground" between Muslims and Christians, and baptism.  Pastor Piper's answers dripped with:

a passion to glorify God, 

the desire to draw people to joy in Christ,

clarity,

decisiveness,

biblical authority, and 

humility.

Driving home afterward, I concluded that I want to "come under" Piper's teaching as much as possible.  He knows how to approach a hill, how to keep his heart rate constant, how to pick a path, when to push and when to ease up.  He knows how to persevere.  I benefit by following.  It is not a burden to follow Piper.

Then it hit me.  Piper is really encouraging me to "come under" Christ.  Christ is saturated with:

a passion to glorify God,
the desire to draw people to joy in Himself,
clarity,
decisiveness,
biblical authority, and
humility.

It was Christ who mentioned that I would benefit by following Him.  "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  Mt. 11:29-30