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 game's exercises self-control in all things. So, they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as [i]to avoid hitting air; 27 but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Several times in Scripture we see believers compared to athletes. For Example, in 2nd Timothy 2:5 as Paul is encouraging Christians to live their lives in accordance with the commands of God he says " An athlete isn't crowned unless he competes according to the rules" Additionally in Hebrews 12:1 the writer compels us to continue to stive for our ultimate goal of entering the kingdom of God saying" Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" the Greek work used for (Race) here is the word (agon) which is where we get our word agony or agonize! In other words, the writers of holy scripture didn't sugar coat the truth of what price we would have to pay to pick up our crosses, follow Christ, and run the race he's set for us, it would indeed involve agony at times.
I have a very simple question for you, are you running your race with all your might? are you leaving it all on the field? Are you running to win? The passage of scripture i wanted to take a closer look at in regard to this topic is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Paul is writing to the church specifically addressing the significance of setting aside certain freedoms and privileges, if need be, for the sake of the end goal, seeing people come to Christ. The Corinthians were emerging out of a culture that served false idols, and they were in the practice of sacrificing meat offerings to these idols and selling the same meat in the markets. This became an issue for the new Christians in that area because some of their consciences were bothered thinking that by partaking in the food in the markets, they were partaking in the pagan worship as well, while other, perhaps more mature Christians believed that they could eat what they wanted because they were clean in Christ alone and no kind of food was going to change that. It is this issue that Paul is writing to address and in this passage, he tells us that we should live our lives like a competitive athlete runs his race, we should run to win!
Paul begins by informing the Corinthians on how in his own personal race he had willingly gave up certain freedoms that he was entitled to have such as getting married and accepting financial assistance from the Church as an apostle, for the sake of the Gospel. Paul didn't want anything to hinder the message that he was proclaiming, he didn't want his goal of seeing people saved and entering the kingdom squandered because of lies of him being money hungry or in it for the wrong reason in general. On top of that, Paul didn't want to live a life contrary to what he was preaching and, in that way, disqualify himself from the race altogether, with his influence being lost for good. He encouraged them and he encourages us to adopt his mindset, to adopt the mindset of the athlete who's running his race not just for the sake of running, but for the sake of WINNING! winning athletes regardless of the sport, and regardless of the gender, all share the same mindset of self-control, sacrifice, diligence and discipline. Those that win all set aside certain freedoms and privileges for the sake of their finish line, for the purpose of prevailing over their opponents. You won't find champions in any arena eating whatever they like, partying whenever they want, or smoking and drinking recklessly in the late night. They all consider winning more important than consuming pleasures just because, all winners work tirelessly giving it their best effort in the gym, and in the kitchen, seeking to set themselves up for success. the question is do you?
Is winning the goal? First of all, what is winning for a Christian? obviously entering the kingdom of God and hearing " well done" by Christ is the ultimate WIN for us! but that race was won by Christ alone with his work on the cross, we aren't running to be saved, we are running because we are saved! It's sort of an oxymoron but it's true. Christ won our salvation and at the same time you and I are striving every day to finish the race and obtain the crown of righteousness.
There are temptations in our way, stumbling blocks, freedoms and privileges even that aren't even evil in themselves but unfortunately can prevent us from running with all our might. Are we willing to give it all for the sake of winning? I believe that a person's perseverance and willingness to deny himself is the fruit of a genuine believer. All of us have good and bad days it isn't about judging a person right where they are, but rather over the long haul, just like a runner in a cross-country race, it's not necessarily how you start, it's how you finish that counts. The assuring part for me in all of this is understanding that I'm not running alone, i have the indwelling presence of the holy spirit to strengthen me when I'm feeling weak and tired or running. All those who belong to Christ has his spirit as well and are supernaturally empowered to run and not just run but WIN! we aren't competing against one another however; Paul says we are to run to win, meaning we are to run in the same manner as the winner would run, with absolute dedication and effort with our eyes fixed solely on the finish line. I implore you today to run with passion and focus! what I've learned is that sacrifice is inescapable, it all boils down to what we value and prize! some will make the choice to forfeit the kingdom for what the world has to offer, and some will do the opposite .......What will you decide?
Jalen Perkins
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