1 Corinthians Chapter 9: Verses 24-27 (NIV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Hebrews Chapter 12: Verse 1 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
I had a circuit training workout at the gym today. It was hard work! I am not by nature a sporty person and am making the effort to go to the gym so that I can be “functionally fit”. It helps with my mobility and daily life, but I have to make the effort. The Greeks were into sport. We’ve just had the 2024 Olympics, the history of which started in Greece. It’s no surprise then that Paul used athletics as an example when he was talking to them about their life of faith. When you commit your life to Christ you have to make an effort to live that way, just as you would commit to any other lifestyle or sport. The athletes who competed in the recent Olympics were determined to go for gold. Many will have spent years preparing.
I wonder however if we make the same effort to be active in our Christian life. Paul says that we should. And we have the best trainer and guide in the Holy Spirit to help us, so really, we are without excuse. The difference for us is we don’t need to compete with anyone else. As Paul said, in athletics only one person gets the gold. However, we read in Hebrews that we each have our own race to run, which is marked out individually for us. That means we don’t need to worry what anyone else is doing, or where they’re at in their own race. All of us will reach the prize of eternity with Christ if we keep our eyes on Him and keep running. But it takes us time and effort. The prize, however, will be more than worth it!
Dear Lord,
I ask for the perseverance and stickability to maintain my Christian walk as faithfully as I might make an effort at any other area in life. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus whilst I run the race, not looking around at others running theirs. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.