During the days of the Apostle Paul's ministry, the Romans were committed to honoring their 'gods' by creating and keeping many festivals. One main festival of honor which held importance was the athletic competition which we copy in our culture with the world wide Olympic games.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul speaks about running the race to compete for the prize. In the Isthmian games held in proximity to Corinth, only one person could gain the prize which was a crown and of course much notoriety. In our modern day Olympics, there are three main winners. Besides the medal received, most modern day competitors do it for personal gain, fame, and popularity. Worldly races, both ancient and modern, are for a crown that is not permanent, but will have to be competed for again in four years time. In contrast, Paul is talking about the race in which all who are willing to live according to the purpose of God can win eternity with our Lord and Savior.
You just can't get to the prize without focus, determination, and lots and lots of training! Paul goes on to say in verses 25 and 27 that the exercise of self restraint, or self control, is a must if you are running to win! To fight purposefully and with determination to win the race is critical. In training for a world class sporting event you have to bring your body into superior shape for competition. This is accomplished by dedication to hard work for many hours every day, abstaining from harmful foods (which taste so wonderful), setting the priority- for several years of your life- preparation and winning! In running the race for your eternity, you must train in the study of God's Word with diligence, grow in the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23), run from sin, extinguish or subdue passion or selfishness, and stay away from the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21, 26). This sounds impossible. And it is, except for the fact that having received God's Holy Spirit we now walk in the Spirit. Jesus is our comforter, strength, guide, and help. We are not alone.
To one who loves and lives for Christ, there really is no other option but to run the race with integrity. He helps us every step of the way so there is no excuse to not get back up when we fall because He is there to lift us up and guide us through the process to success. From the foundations of the world, He set us up to succeed! We have but to obey and follow Him.
Comments