Let's Run to Win
When I was a senior in high school, I threw the shot put and the discus. When I went to my first track meet, I was told about a race called the “fat boy relay.” This “relay” was a relay race between the boys who were usually offensive and defensive linemen on the football team who also threw at the track meets. I reluctantly agreed to the race. The race was just like any other relay except for the fact that the runners were in no way prepared for it. When the race began everyone started as fast and hard as they could. Now, this is where the fun came in. As linemen on the football team, we were all trained for short 10–15-yard bursts, not 100 meters sprints. At around the 75-meter mark, you began to see these big ole boys fall out of the race. Why? Because none of the racers were prepared to compete in this race.
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul is giving an argument for both his apostleship and his willingness to serve in any capacity. In verse 24 he makes this wonderful statement,
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one gets the prize? So run to win!”
He goes on to explain the reason we run in verse 25.
“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.”
We can all agree that life is difficult. For those who are trying to live in a way that honors the Lord it can seem impossible at times. The culture is constantly pushing against us, trying to cause us to give in to the pressure of supporting sin and selfishness.
It can all seem a little too much sometimes. Beloved, I want to encourage you today and remind you that yes, we are all in a race. Some are running for prizes of fame, money, status, and position. The believer, the follower of Jesus Christ is running in the same race, but we are running for a very different prize. We are running for that crown of eternal glory.
So, we persist in the race. We don’t give in, and we don’t give up. Sure, we may pause for a water break or a bandaged knee from a fall, but we get right back in the race because we know we run for a different prize.
Let us run the race to win the crown of glory set before us!
So, What’s Next?
1. Practice spiritual disciplines that draw us closer to Christ and strengthen us for the race;
2. Press into Jesus and draw strength from him for the journey ahead';
3. Remember the race we run is not a sprint, but a marathon to the throne of glory;
4. We all fall, so don’t be discouraged when you do. Get back up and get back to running;
5. Encourage and assist others in the race with you.
Father, strengthen my heart for victory. Help me to draw strength from your deep well. Replenish my soul. I have at times been weak in the race and have not run well. Forgive me for my faintness of heart. By the grace of Christ, fill me with your Spirit that I may run to win. Help me be an encouragement to others on the journey. All for the glory of Jesus. Amen.
In His Grace,
BD