God teaches love for Lexington's Runyon

The word "love" appears in the Bible 314 times, so Lexington senior Jake Runyon feels that when trying to share God with others, love has to play a big part.

"I try to be a light to those around me," Runyon said. "I try to love people because God loves us. As Christians, we are called to love because God loves us. That is the greatest commandment in the Bible, so I try to do that to the best of my ability."

Runyon sets his priorities to make sure that he has time to spend with God, and he feels there are two ways that are the best way to draw closer to God.

"Every morning I have a devotional that my mom gave me, so I try to stay in His word," he said. "The Bible also says to be in constant prayer, so I could be driving down the road and I try to pray. Constant communication is the best way to draw closer to Him. If you take time to talk with Him, He will communicate with you."

Prayer also plays a big part in his basketball life.

"Every night, we pray before we play," Runyon said. "Every time I make a shot, I point up. That is a way of using basketball as my platform to be a witness to the Lord."

Although Runyon feels that God is always working in our lives, there is a certain setting when he feels God's presence the most.

"I feel closest to God when I worship at church camp," he said. "You get emotional singing about your love for God and thinking about how much God loves us. It is like he is right next to you, and you are praising Him."

For Runyon, God is the source of salvation.

"God is my Lord and Savior," he said. "He sent His son to die on the cross for my sins, something that I am undeserving of. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us."

Runyon attends Sand Ridge Baptist Church, and he is active in the youth. He is a member of a Fly Group, which meets after the youth pastor gives a sermon and tries to apply it to their life. He also leads worship for the youth and sometimes for the whole congregation.

"I have grown up in church, and my parents were saved before I was born, so they were faithful in bringing me to church," Runyon said.

Michael Odom, 425-9754

Jake Runyon's favorite verse

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV): But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.