Why Run the Race?

After I graduated from college, my roommates and I trained for a marathon held in our city. After nine months, we joined tens of thousands of others running 7.5 miles. The streets were packed and we had no hope of coming close to winning, but we ran anyway. Actually I was not a fan of running itself, but I ran for the sake of my relationships with my roommates. Our early morning runs helped to build bonds between us and encourage each others faith in ways nothing else could. Why everyone else ran that race I don’t know, but we ran for each other.

 

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 New American Standard Bible 1995

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. 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.

 

The Christian life has often been referred to as a race; not in the sense that we are competing and only one person can win, but like athletes we have to be disciplined and focused with a goal in mind. We press on for the prize. Yet that prize, for us eternal life, is no more important than the race itself. In fact, the way we run is more important. We need to run in such a way that we will win. We need to live in such a way that we are worthy of God.

 

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 New American Standard Bible 1995

Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

 

Primarily, this means self control, a rather unpopular fruit of the Spirit. Yet to be God’s people, to show that we are like Him, this is not negotiable. Jesus is our example and He did nothing selfishly, excessively, or over-indulgently. Athletes know that they must maintain control in every aspect of their lives if they are to be at the top of their game. The slightest indulgence in one area will hinder the whole. Some people take this too far and intentionally and needlessly expose themselves to pain and discomfort, but the Bible in no way encourages self deprecation. This is pointless and unnecessary. We need to have purpose in what we do. This also does not mean avoiding things simply because certain people indulge them. We need to have focus, intention and conviction in what we do, and our motivation should be glorifying God and becoming more like Christ, living in such a way as being worthy of the name Christian.

 

Hebrews 12:1-2 New American Standard Bible 1995

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Along with self control, we need to lay off all sin. Of course none of us will be perfect in this life, but that should be our goal. The attitude of not fighting sin simply because we will never be without sin is selfish, ungodly and lazy. That is not how we win a race, nor how we become worthy of the One for whom we run. We need to endure the pain. Consider resisting temptation as practicing boxing. There will be times when we get beat up, but we need to get back in the ring so that we can become better. We run under the same banner, the same jersey, as Christ did. Let us not dishonor that Name! I have heard it said that we take longer strides if we look ahead, as opposed to looking at the ground. We need to look to the prize, to Christ, so that we can run faster and better.

 

Galatians 6:9 New American Standard Bible 1995

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

 

There are times when we will be tired, when the goal really doesn’t seem even possible, let alone worth the effort. Let us not lose heart and give up. Let us not become discouraged. A bad day does not mean a bad race. When we fall we need to get back up and keep going. It helps to remember that we are not running alone, and it is important find others to run beside us who will help and encourage us to run well. Those “encumbrances” can be people who encourage worldly living, put us down, or are a bad influence in any way. Our running mates and fans need to be people who will help not hinder.

 

How are you running? Who are you running with? What is your goal? Ask God to help motivate you to godliness, to surround you with people who will encourage your walk with Him so that you can run your race worthy of the Gospel of Christ.