“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10: 15) 

I believe running makes the world a better place.  In a world where the siren song of technology is demanding that we spend more time sitting with our phones, in front of computers, or checking our online status, championing the outdoors is hard.  Suggesting that going outside, getting sweaty, and struggling to catch your breath has benefits feels counter-cultural when put against the easy demands of a digital metaverse.

I’m not shy about talking running, its health benefits, or how to get started. I’ve met many people whose lives have been changed by being physically active. I’ve also met people who don’t realize how life-changing just 30 minutes of activity outdoors can be.  But I know helping people get on their feet to stay healthy serves the common good.  Healthy people create a healthy world!

I like to share the health benefits of running, and in this week’s passage, Paul is urging me to get on my feet to share the good news of Jesus with those who may not know it.  Just like promoting physical activity, Paul is asking me to use my “beautiful” feet to bring the good news to others.   

Recently my family and other families from the church completed a service project at our local elementary school.  We worked for hours on a Saturday to prepare a new space in the school courtyard for a unity rock garden the students would later create. But we didn’t show up as nice people. We showed up as members of Chatham Community Church, moving our feet in the name of Jesus.

Jesus wants us to create safe spaces where our children can feel loved and valued.  When kids place their own painted rock in the unity garden, my hope is that the school community remembers it was a space created by followers of Jesus for the common good of the community. Through that space, they can see that Jesus is alive and active in their world.  

Alongside my church community, we moved our feet for the common good by bringing to life the good news of Jesus in the form of the unity rock garden. Our actions gave people a glimpse at how acting in the name of Jesus brings about the common good. Our communities become stronger and healthier in all kinds of good ways!

Move your feet this week! Not only literally by getting outdoors for a little fresh air but move to bring the good news of Jesus.  How can you move to bring the good news of Jesus into your community, and how can you make sure people know Jesus is the source?