Run to Win

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” I Corinthians 9:24

The people of Greece in the Apostle Paul’s time were very athletically inclined and regularly held competitive sporting events at Olympia. The original sole event, a 210-yard race, was held in 778 B.C. in honor of Zeus, the supreme god of Greek mythology. So the church at Corinth could relate easily to what Paul was trying to say when he used “running a race” as an illustration in writing about spiritual truths.

In this Scripture, he explains the need for strict training if you want to run the race in such a way as to obtain the prize. Verse 25: “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” Goal setting and discipline is involved as well. Verses 26 and 27 tell it succinctly: “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection.”

The Christian life can be an aimless struggle of ups and downs if there is not proper discipline and preparation. Watch your diet. Feed on God’s Word. Talk daily with the Lord. Learn how to be “fruit bearing,” the mark of a true disciple. Run faithfully!

PRAY: “Father of wisdom, assist me in my studies of Your Word today as I prepare to be ‘a workman that needeth not to be ashamed’ in Your kingdom. Amen.”

*II Timothy 2:15b