APR 24

Hebrews 12:1-3
Memorise 1 Corinthians 9:24
“So run, that ye may obtain.”

To most people, running a short sprint would seem much easier than running a full 42km marathon. It takes the fastest men in the world a little over 9 seconds to run 100 meters. On the other hand, the current marathon record holder, Wilson Kipsang, takes just over 2 hours to run his race - 720 times longer! Our life is a race, more like to a marathon than a sprint. The marathon is one of the most physically and mentally demanding events there is. Consider the physique of a marathon runner: long, lean muscles with minimal body fat that might hinder performance. His attire would have minimal weight, for in such a long race, every single gram matters! ‘Weights’ too hinder a Christian’s race. They may take the form of a possession, a hobby or a habit. When we allow them to become idols in our lives, they distract us from our Christian purpose. To add to this hindrance, we get bogged down by besetting sins –persistent sins that may seem ‘small’, but are committed habitually and remain unrepented. Running the race is not just about strength but also patience and endurance. We must also remember why we run this race – it is for Christ! As we run, we must look to Christ for strength, and we must remember His great sacrifice for us bearing our sins. This reminds us of our responsibility to run a race that is worthy of Him.

An athlete not only trains hard but also gets rid of habits and junk food that will hinder his performance. For us, the goal is not a temporary record that will eventually be broken one day, or a medal that has transient value. Run your race for Christ, for what He has done to save you. Run for the eternal riches and life with Christ that is promised that will not perish and will far exceed what this fleeting world has to offer. Search your life for weights and sin that are affecting your race. Take steps to get rid of them that you may maintain a fully reformed life all the way to the finish line. Run patiently, for the race is long but the prize will be worth it all. Run to win!

Thought: Do you need to train for your life’s race as a Christian?
Prayer: Lord, give me the strength and obedience to put away everything that hinders my spiritual life and live all my life with my eyes fixed on You.