"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it for a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." I Cor. 9:23-24
This passage is a familiar one, and its elements are quite self evident. There is little liklihood that I shall introduce any striking insights, but it may be that reviewing and underscoring what is already known will provide fresh encouragement to some to "keep on keeping on," and that will not be wasted effort.
The apostle's imagery in v.23 is that of a marathon, and he uses the figure to instruct us as to how we should engage the Christian life. His first exhortation is, "run to win." If you have ever witnessed the start of a marathon, you will realize that relatively few must run with any idea of winning the prize. That makes it evident that there are other reasons for running. Some must run simply for the thrill of participation. Others, evidently, run for the publicity, the thrill of the crowd. Some may run just for the satisfaction of knowing they tried, and gave it their best. There may be noble motives for running, even if one knows beforehand that he can never hope to win. But what is important here is the principle: run with purpose; "so run that ye may obtain." One thing is certain; no one will receive the prize who does not give it his best and that is what the Spirit of God is urging upon us here.
There is, unfortunately, a great deal of lackluster participation in the Christian life. Many "run" who seem to have little more purpose than just to show up. They demonstrate their faith if and when it is convenient and comfortable. Such an attitude denigrates the Christian faith. I think Paul might have expanded on his charge by saying, "If you don't plan on giving it your best, don't bother to show up at all."
This leads quite naturally to his next point of emphasis: "Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things." Those who compete to win must prepare and engage their task with discipline. There are two kinds of discipline essential to successful competition: discipline in preparation, and disciplined participation. The idea behind "temperate," or temperance (see Gal. 5:22-24) is "self control." It is a reminder that godliness is not achieved by chance, but by choice. Salvation qualifies us for it, but its realization involves the believer's will.Our preparation requires prayer and the word of God. Sadly, some professing Christians take little time for communion with the Lord of glory, and do little to familiarize themselves with His Instruction Book. The discipline of participation demands maintaining a spiritual focus that seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
As a youth I remember hearing the testimony of runner Gil Dodds, a fine Christian and at that time holding the record for the world's fastest indoor mile. One of the points he made was that to run successfully one cannot allow himself to be distracted by the crowd. Too many believers are distracted, employing a different figure used by the Lord Jesus, by "the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things (Mk. 4:19)," losing sight of the goal and losing heart for the race.
Some, of course, will be inclined to shrug it off and say , (as in fact I have heard said,) "What does it matter? I don't want any rewards." Such an attitude betrays a tragic ignorance of what salvation really is. It is, after all, new life in Christ, obtained for us by Him at incredible cost. It assures us a future and a hope when this life is over, paid for by His blood shed for the remission, or forgiveness, of our sins. That we should be grateful is a colossal understatement. When we at last stand before him, we ought to have a love-gift for Him.
In the apostle John's vision of heaven, "The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat upon the throne, and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou has created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created (Rev. 4:10-11)." Their crowns were evidence of their love and loyalty toward the Savior. They ran to win, not for their own glory, but for His. So should we! Let us run to win!!
With HIS will in mind,
"Pastor" Frasier
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