David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Running the Race

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Materials Needed:

  • Internet access

Share the following video with your students and discuss the questions that follow [1:50; stop at 1:30]:
100-Year-Old Runner Breaking Records And Defying Expectations

  • What do you admire about someone like this marathon runner? (Answers will vary but may include: He has stayed committed to a goal for a very long time. He focuses attention away from his own success and toward other causes.) 
  • What reasons might someone of Mike’s age have for why they couldn’t run marathons? (Old age, pain, physical impairments, etc.)

Because Mike trained for years and has not developed any health conditions to prevent him from being active, he’s able to continue running marathons—even at the shocking age of 100. Running has been a passion of his for so many years that he’s remained dedicated to this sport even at an age when many people would stop doing such intense activities.

  • Do you think most people need motivation to stick with a long-term commitment like running a marathon or sticking with a hobby for years at a time? Why or why not? (People start things easily, but have trouble finishing.)
  • What can prevent people from sticking to a long-term goal of any kind? (Answers may include: Lack of training, distractions, etc.) 
  • Can you think of a time when you started something but quit before you reached your goal? Can you think of anything that might have helped you stick with it? (Answers will vary. Be prepared to share your own personal experience.)
  • Lots of people make “resolutions” in the month of January, yet most of them fail. Have you ever sustained a goal for longer than one year? What was the key to your success? (Answers will vary; share your own success stories if possible.)

Being able to finish what we start requires a lot of maturity! Most of us need help in the area of personal discipline. The Bible shows us that a life of following God is not just a quick sprint, but a long-term commitment. Let’s learn about what the Bible calls “a cloud of witnesses” who can cheer us on toward a long life of serving Jesus Christ.

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

You can find Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide. To purchase a teacher’s guide, please visit: Bible-in-Life or Echoes.

Materials Needed:

  • Internet access
  • Index cards (1 per student)
  • Pens/pencils
  • Markers or colored pencils (optional for decorating the tags)
  • Whiteboard and marker (or screenshared document)

Spread the word

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