Run to Win

“In a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

It’s been fun seeing the Olympics every night at our house, and as we were watching Michael Phelps win his 19th Olympic medal, I was reminded of the Biblical mandate to approach our Christian walk in the same way an Olympian trains to win a gold medal. The effort, determination and singleness of purpose displayed by these athletes is what enables them to compete... and win! According to scripture, we are to demonstrate this very same effort and focus. Consider the following:

·   Let us press on to know the Lord (Hosea 6:3)

·   Let us throw off every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1)

·   Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge (2 Peter 1:5)

·   Train yourself for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7)

·   Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

Paul’s exhortation to “run in such a way as to get the prize” is a very literal reminder that some people will win the prize and see Christ, and others will not.  The difference is determination.  You might say here, “But what about grace?” But as Dallas Willard once said, “Grace is not opposed to effort but to earning.” We’re not earning God’s favor, but we are told to make every effort, to press on, to run the race in order to win the prize - and what is that prize? It’s none other than knowing Christ Jesus and being found in him! (Phil 3:8)

God wouldn't employ the analogy of an athlete over and over throughout scripture if it weren’t for a reason. See, he knows that the Christian life can be difficult, so he reminds us to press on.  He understands our tendency to coast on past successes, so he says to make every effort to add to our faith.  He’s aware that we would rather relax and eat junk food (so to speak) than to exercise ourselves and abstain from the caustic influences of this world, so he exhorts us to train ourselves for godliness and cast off every weight and sin that hinders us from running a good race. 

Friend, what area of your life right now could benefit from more effort or self-control? Cry out to God for his grace, which rather than replacing your effort, will actually bolster your effort and bring about real, lasting reward. 

“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!” (1 Corinthians 9:25)