First passed the Kenyons. Long extended strides, speed, apparent ease. Then came the other elite runners followed by the masses.

My daughter and her husband lived just a block from the course of the Chicago Marathon and we had strolled over to observe. It was a beautiful day with sun-flooded skies.

Taking our place in a shady spot among the throng of spectators, I noticed there were as many observers as runners. It appeared the observers were enjoying themselves more; at least they looked more comfortable. Someone had thoughtfully set up a table of water cups immediately next to the course apparently for us sideline participants to refresh ourselves.

After considerable time had lapsed, an exceedingly determined but deeply laboring segment of humanity paraded by. Wanting to do my part, I cheered for those struggling runners, calling out their number or the name on their shirt. Being a naturally verbal person, it seemed I cheered more than other onlookers and I started feeling more committed than the rest. Did they have but little encouragement to offer these exhausted souls, some with little apparent hope of completing the 26 mile course?

No matter, I thought, insightfully reflecting on a famous speech of Theodore Roosevelt. "It is not the critic who counts," Roosevelt opined, "not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles... The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood ... who does actually strive to do the deeds... and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

I was distracted from my profound musings by the warmth of the sun which had moved so that the shade deserted us. Great beads of sweat were now forming on my forehead.

I mustered enough mental focus to consider how Roosevelt's speech mirrored New Testament principles pertaining to life. James, for example, indicts those with mere theoretical faith. They are the ones who avoid wrestling with and applying difficult truth to their hearts and behavior. But because they expose themselves to biblical counsel and make note of its profound wisdom, they fool themselves into thinking they've actually accomplished something. "Prove yourselves doers of the word," James cautions, "and not merely hearers who delude themselves." Jesus himself challenged, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do what I say?" (James 1:22; John 6:46).

After a couple tiring hours of standing in place, observing and pondering, I had become hot and thirsty. I began to look longingly at that table of water the struggling runners were now brazenly monopolizing. I suggested to my companions that we'd experienced enough. All agreed and we strolled to a nearby cafe to enjoy brunch. I was feeling a little worn, perhaps slightly dehydrated, but greatly invigorated and satisfied. After all, had I not just been part of the great Chicago Marathon?