Running And Winning The Race

LIFE AND RUNNING

1 Corinthians 9:24 KJV (WS)

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

The Apostle Paul compares the Christian life to running. With running being a popular form of recreation these days, the comparison will be readily understood especially by runners. This text reminds us what a runner must do to win the race.

FIRST—RUNNING REQUIRES PERSISTENCY

“So run that ye may obtain.”

Paul is speaking here about running to win a race.

If you are going to win the race you must run the whole race. You cannot quit part way through the race and win.

You must be faithful and run the entire course.

That is not easy, for after you have run awhile you get tired and into “oxygen debt” and everything in you cries out for relief, that is to quit, to stop.

But once you have stopped, it is extremely hard to start up again and you will generally lose so much position in the race that you will have little chance to win.

We have too many quitters in Christian service. When things get tough they quit.

But to have a winning performance you must be faithful. You cannot be a quitter.

SECOND—RUNNING REQUIRES PERSPIRATION

“They which run in a race.”

Running is not easy.

It requires a lot of sweat to run.

It is easier to walk.

In a race you may have to run up hills and against the wind. And sometimes the weather can be so inclement that it makes it very difficult to run.

But a winning performance is not the path of least resistance.

The runner, therefore, must be strong and healthy. This is true spiritually.

We must fortify ourselves with the Scriptures so that we can endure the difficulties of the path and come out with a winning performance.

THIRD—RUNNING REQUIRES PURPOSE

“So run that ye may obtain.”

To run successfully you need goals, something to aim at. In racing, the goal is to win.

Paul exhorts the believer to run to obtain the winner’s prize. In the Christian life so many folk do just enough to get by. That is not running for the prize.

That is only going through the motions.

We need to endeavor to do our best in the Christian life. What you are called to do, do it the best you can.

Run for the prize.

Runners have a challenging saying which is “Go for the gold.”

That says go all out and endeavor to win first place in the race.

FOURTH—RUNNING REQUIRES PRECEPTS

“Run in a race.”

To win the prize a runner must abide by the rules.

Some try to get to the finish line quicker by cheating. However, those who cheat will not be given the awards. Sometimes in this world, cheaters seem to be getting all the awards and recognition.

But God’s rewards will never go to cheaters. God sees how you have run.

Therefore, run according to God’s rules if you want to have a winning performance in His sight.