Did you know that you’re in a race?
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 9:24-26, “In a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. So run your race to win. To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win” (TLB).
While running the race, who would want to get sidelined? I don’t want to get run off into a ditch or directed the wrong way. I want to finish and win. Don’t you? Paul’s image of an athlete has three things to teach us about being the winner here.
You must intend to win. This divides the casual Christian from committed Christians just as there is a difference between competitive golfers and casual ones. The committed golfer seriously plays to win. But the casual golfer is just along for the fun. If you’re going to win in eternal life, it’s got to be intentional. It’s not going to happen by accident or without effort.
You must discipline yourself. Further, the committed athlete becomes a pro in training. You don’t become great by doing whatever you feel like doing. There are no shortcuts to maturity. What are some things you can do without so you can spend more time with God, give more to God, serve more, and be more of what God wants you to be?
You must stay focused on the reward. You can handle enormous pain and discipline in your life if you realize there’s a purpose for it and that there’s going to be a payoff at the end. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:2, “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed — that exhilarating finish in and with God — he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God” (MSG).
So get in the game of eternal life, and run like you mean it.