Running To Win!

“Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. That is why I run straight for the finish line; that is why I am like a boxer who does not waste his punches. I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest.” 1 Cor 9:24-27GNT

I remember years ago in high school during our inter-house sports competition. There was a 400-meter girls relay race and one of the legs in a team in the relay was so much in a hurry that she didn’t wait to collect the baton when she took off and ran as fast as possible to get to the finish line. Though she came 2nd in the race, she was disqualified because she didn’t arrive with the baton. The rule of the race was that each leg must wait to receive the baton and then proceed, but my colleague didn’t observe this when she took off. She was too much in a hurry to win, running with great strength to the finish line. She ran, but not according to the rule of the race, so she and her team didn’t collect the prize but were disqualified.

This is a story I will never forget! It comes again to mind each time I read the scripture above. There are rules that govern any race; more especially our race to eternity. As believers, we are reminded to be careful how we run. Running is not an end in itself but a means to an end; hence, how we run matters a lot. It is not in our own terms but that of Him who has called us to the race. The race before us as believers is not for fun and so we should live in the consciousness of this. Distractions will come; oppositions will come; weariness will set in but we must keep running with a goal in mind, that we must win. Of what use is a race that does not end well. May we not run in vain. Amen!

In vs 27, Apostle Paul stated that it is possible to be disqualified, and so the need for discipline. We must keep to the rules of God, not our own rules for the race set before us is not at our own terms but that if Him who called us to the race. This body must be disciplined, so it can run more efficiently to the finish line, in order to obtain the prize. All the tendencies in the flesh that are capable of mitigating our race, must be put under control. The cravings and desires of the flesh must be tamed and brought under control- the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life can affect the race a believer is engaged in, negatively, if we are not intentional about putting them under.

There is a prize to be won; there is a process to follow to win the prize. There are different ways to run, but Apostle Paul is calling our attention to run in such a way as to win the prize. It means running alone is not enough for us to win the prize but running according to Heaven’s stated rules, even with our bodies (flesh) under control. It’s not all runners that win the prize but those who run according to the rule. Don’t run aimlessly.

We must not get distracted by the successes of life, neither by the challenges of life. We must look intently unto Jesus, setting our faces like a flint towards Him who is waiting for us at the end of the race.

In vs 27, Apostle Paul stated that it is possible to be disqualified, and so the need for discipline. We must keep to the rules of God, not our own rules for the race set before us is not at our own terms but that of Him who called us to the race.

Each time I study athletes when they run, I have never found any of them looking sideways at the cheering crowd while running; neither do I see anyone reacting to those who boo them. No one stops to greet the crowd. One common thing about the athletes whether they are the ones leading the race or not, is that they stay focused on the tracks, looking intently at the finishing line. They run with all their strength as they keep their faces straight ahead. Each runs with the aim of winning. Likewise, must we do; not getting distracted by the successes of life, neither by the challenges of life. We must look intently at Jesus, setting our faces like a flint towards Him who is waiting for us at the end of the race.

Father, help me (us) to be mindful of the rules of the race as we run. Help us to be disciplined to keep the rules so that we might run to obtain. May we not get distracted nor discouraged. May everything setup by the enemy to get us distracted or fail, be frustrated. May grace abound unto us to finish well, finish strong and win the prize. Amen

©Funmi Adebayo