Running the Race
The Olympics are completing this week. I’m not sure if you have watched much of them, but I have seen a few of the competitions. It is amazing to see these athletes do as well as they do. When this old worn out body witnesses the running, jumping, twirling, etc., it just makes it tired.
One of the big things at the Olympics is the competition for a gold medal. That is the ultimate prize, and only one can receive it (except for the high jump where they both did an equal amount and they decided to share the gold medal). These athletes have put in multiple hours for their conditioning, timing, endurance and all the other things that are needed to compete on this level.
The other night, I was watching a race, and a runner from the USA fell. And another racer fell when he did. It was a touching thing to watch after the race was completed, both of these men jogging side by side to cross the finish line. They both completed the race but did not qualify for the finals (the athlete from the USA evidently caused the accident, and the other runner was allowed to continue participating in the next round.).
The apostle Paul, who wrote most of our New Testament, was familiar with the athletic events of his day. He even spoke of the Christian’s journey and compared it to an athlete. Consider these verses from the book of 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable? 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” (NASB)
We are encouraged to run a race that is far more important than any other. Those running in the Olympics have a purpose—win the gold—be first. This is running for something perishable. But Christians are running the race to receive a prize that cannot be taken away ever—one that is imperishable. We are running to receive a home in heaven with God.
Does it matter how we run? Definitely! We must run according to the rules—the Bible—and follow the teaching recorded in it. We especially follow the New Testament which was written to show us how to become children of God, how to live our lives daily, and to follow its teachings. If we don’t, we will be disqualified as the runner who fell.
Are you running the Christian race? If not, you must begin and then stay the course to the very end. Then you can win the prize.