WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Hebrews 12:1-3

“So run, that ye may obtain.”.

RUNNING THE RACE

Paul described his life of service as running a race. This description would be most vivid in the minds of the Corinthians as the Isthmian Games (similar to today’s Olympic Games) were held in the city of Corinth once every two years.

To succeed in a race, athletes must undergo a regime of strict discipline and training. Their muscles would be stretched and pulled to be strengthened. They were willing to go through such an agonising and arduous programme in order to fulfil the goal of achieving a corruptible prize. Christians, on the other hand, are running a race in which the prize is incorruptible. Should we not therefore put in even more earnest effort in the Christian race?

Paul did not want to run a wasted race. Neither did he want to be like a shadow boxer who vainly beat the air (1 Cor 9:26). Nor did he want to be an athlete who ran the race only to be found that he was disqualified or disapproved (i.e. “castaway,” adokimos). Therefore, Paul was willing to discipline his body to ensure that it could be used for the glory of God. He was willing to endure the ardours and agonies of ministry. To obtain the reward, Paul was most willing to give up his rights so that the gospel could advance.

Just like Paul, we are all in a race. Let us then “… press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14). We do not want to be found disapproved, and thus we must do all things necessary to run the race well. This includes the forsaking of our rights so that our brethren will be ministered to. May we all be found running this race with patience!

THOUGHT: How am I running this race on earth?
PRAYER: Father, help me to run a good race that is pleasing to Thee!