The Long Run
Theme: Longevity
Verse: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord..." — 1 Corinthians 15:58
A couple of weeks ago, the parents of my childhood friend—also named Dave—celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. As I congratulated them on that remarkable milestone, I discovered something even more amazing. As impressive as 68 years is, they aren't the longest-married couple from my hometown of Crystal City, Missouri (population approximately 4,000). In fact, they aren't even in the top three.
During our conversation, I learned that at least six couples from our small Mississippi River town—perhaps best known as the hometown of basketball great and former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley—have been married for more than 60 years. The longest marriage has now reached an incredible 75 years. In a world where lifelong marriages seem increasingly rare, Crystal City has become a remarkable exception. These couples are living testimonies to consistency, commitment, and God's sustaining grace.
Those qualities remind me of Jesus.
Hebrews 13:8 tells us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." His character never changes. His promises never fail. His mission never wavers. Because of that, He is the unshakable foundation of our faith.
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated love, compassion, truth, and obedience to His Father. Whether teaching the crowds, comforting the brokenhearted, or confronting the religious leaders, He remained faithful to His calling. He never allowed circumstances or cultural pressures to change who He was or why He came.
That's the kind of longevity God desires for us.
Not simply a long life—but a faithful one.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians to "stand firm" and to "always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." Faithfulness is rarely built in dramatic moments. More often, it is forged through ordinary days of steady obedience.
As you care for your body, be consistent. Set aside regular time to exercise, and whenever possible, find someone who will encourage you to stay the course.
As you work, be committed. Show up each day determined to honor Christ by giving your employer, your customers, and your coworkers your very best.
With family and friends, be present. This may be the most important commitment of all. Put down the phone, silence the distractions, and give your full attention to the people God has placed right in front of you.
Consistency. Commitment. Presence.
Those three qualities strengthen our relationships, enrich our work, improve our health, and, most importantly, deepen our walk with Christ.
I suspect the six remarkable couples from Crystal City—Jack and Peg Voelker, Bob and Frankie Freese, David and Mary Glasgow, Rodney and Joyce Mills, Helen and John Meyer, and Dick and Mimi Cook—whose marriages now total a combined 416 years—would offer much the same advice.
And I believe Jesus would too.
We may never celebrate a 75th wedding anniversary or spend decades in the same career, but every one of us can choose faithfulness today. One faithful day leads to another, and over time those days become a life that reflects Christ and points others to Him.
Faithfulness isn't measured only by how long we live or how many years we spend doing something. It's measured by how consistently we follow Jesus, one day at a time.
Special congratulations to Rodney and Joyce Mills and to Dick and Mimi Cook on their July wedding anniversaries, and to John and Helen Meyer, who celebrate theirs tomorrow. May God continue to bless each of you with many more years together.
Have a GREAT week!