Running the Race
As someone who loves rock climbing, I am fascinated by the abilities and skills possessed by the best climbers. They can pull up their entire body with one finger, hold onto barely visible pieces of rock, swing like an orangutan, and ascend tremendous heights. Every professional climber puts in massive effort and time to train their body to do what it does. Adam Ondra, one of the best climbers of our day, is known for consistently training 40+ hours a week.
As we talk about running the race of life, 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (ESV) really catches my attention: Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Paul is pointing out something profound and convicting to me as a follower of Jesus. As we run the race of life to receive the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24), we must run with intentionality, and we must discipline ourselves to do this. If we don’t, we could disqualify ourselves.
How does this principle apply to our lives? I believe when God instructs us to not run aimlessly, but to discipline ourselves, He is talking about running after the right things and keeping ourselves free from sin. Romans 6:12-14 tells us that because Jesus died for us, sin no longer has dominion over us. We are free to no longer present ourselves as instruments of unrighteousness, rather as God’s instruments made for His purposes. When we intentionally look to Jesus – no longer running aimlessly, but pressing on towards Him, disciplining ourselves to walk in grace and stay away from sins – we receive the imperishable prize of eternal life.
The last part of 1 Corinthians 9:27 states, “...lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” I think it's important to note that following Jesus is not all about our personal journey, but includes inviting others to run alongside us to receive and take part in this imperishable wreath, which is available to all (John 3:16). Paul points out that, when we choose to run aimlessly, and neglect self-discipline, we can disqualify ourselves from all God has planned for us. We can miss opportunities to love the people around us, and our own sin can disqualify us from being able to help others run towards Jesus. If we aren’t doing the work, someone could look at our lives and think, “Why would I want to run with them? They are as aimless and directionless as the rest of the world.”
My encouragement for all of us this week is to fight the urge to do what is easy, and resist the temptation to neglect training and intentionality. Spur one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24) and run that we may receive the prize.
May we run worthy of the gospel of Jesus our Messiah! (Philippians 1:27)
God Bless.
Josiah Molter
