The Heavenly Footman:

A Puritan’s View of How to get to Heaven

by John Bunyan

“Do you not know that

those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  Therefore I run thus:

not with uncertainty.

Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

(1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Nine Directions how to Run

1.       Obedience. Be sure you take the right path – only the one that leads to heaven.

2.       Wisdom.  Know your goal well: study Christ, your Shepherd (His directions and destination)

3.       Single-mindedness.  Strip yourself of all hindrances -- covetousness, pride, lust, gluttony, and whatever else your flesh may crave.

4.      Caution. Beware of by-paths; those crooked paths that distract and lead out of the way. Look straight ahead; don’t turn to the right or left. Don’t explore every opinion or mystical secret that detracts from the goal.

5.      Humility. Don’t look too high and forget to watch the path. Presumption makes you stumble, so remember your weakness and cling to the Shepherd.

6.      Resolution or determination.  Don’t answer everyone that calls after you as you run. God’s runner will  not win the price if he stops to answer every question.

7.       Steadfast hope. Don’t be weakened or distracted by the many discouragement’s or tests along the way.  (If Satan can’t win by flattery, he will try discouragement)  “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

8.      Perseverance. Don’t be offended by the cross. “All that will live godly in Christ will suffer persecution.” Know the cross by:

9.       

·         justification - His righteous life for my unholy life

·         mortification - reckon myself dead to sin

·         perseverance - haven’t yet resisted to the point of shedding blood

·         self-denial

·         patience

·         communion with God and poor saints

10.  Pray. Beg God to:

·         Enlighten your understanding

·         Enflame your will