September 2: Run to win!

Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away. Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.    (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 — Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Paul compares our faith to a race and a boxing match. Interesting that he would use these two analogies when he could have used any other. Running and boxing require effort, involve the risk of exhaustion, require training, demand aggressiveness, and involve a prize. They have winners and losers, and demand that athletes be in control of their emotions and focus on their goals, otherwise they will be hopelessly outmatched. Paul doesn’t praise people for simply participating, trying their best, and being good team players — he tells us to run to win the prize.

Our walk with God needs to involve all these things too. Obviously, more than one person can win this race; we can all run, win, and receive eternal salvation. But Paul also knows that we have to live out our faith in an aggressive way, determined to win, to do better than what we did yesterday, and to ensure our salvation. Any laziness or relaxation can easily grow, and before we know it, cause us to lose everything we worked so hard for. 

Was there a person that encouraged you to have faith in the very beginning, who helped you find God, who you looked up to as an example of faith, a warrior of God that inspired your faith… but turned his/her back on God after some time, and lost their salvation? I have. In fact, I’ve seen it so many times it’s impossible to count. These people stopped running to win, took it easy, and before they knew it were flat on their backs. If we give the devil an inch, he’ll take a mile. Do you know God today? Great, but be careful, we have a long race ahead of us and cannot afford to get tired.

Paul the apostle uses strong words here; he says, “I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” The temptations and tricks of the devil are all around us and we cannot afford to be weak or passive. Faith is aggressive. Sure there are times to show love, patience, and peace — but if we want to win this race of life there are times we will have to manifest mental toughness, determination, a desire to win, and a refusal to give in to emotions. 

Keep your eyes on the great prize before you, and don't put up with any sin or weakness in yourself. God called you to win, not to lose!