Run to Win

As we near the end of the year, we are reminded of the many who have been called to glory!  Some have been plucked away in the prime of life and some have finished their innings.  Those of us who are still running, have to be careful to run our race carefully till the end.  Paul uses the illustration of a runner in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 to describe a Christian. When we think of sports, we know that some will get disqualified. Some may fail to reach the goal. All run, but only one receives the prize. Even great players have a bad day! Not everyone can participate. It is all for a select few.  But in Christian faith, the call to run is for every believer!  All of us can finish well and receive eternal life. If it is just for a select few, I will not be here today!

We can learn of some essential truths from this illustration. We will fail if we do not prepare.   We will fail if we do not observe the rules (2 Tim2:5).  Simply put, we must obey God (Matthew 7:21). We will fail if we do not value the prize.  The value of the prize can best be seen in the words of Jesus. Jesus said, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? " (Mt 16:26).  Essential rules of personal discipline are Prayer, Bible study, fellowship and worship.  Essential rules for living can be seen in Paul’s advice to Timothy. "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (1 Tim 6:11-12 ).  Unlike the earthly race, in our Christian walk with the Lord, EVERYONE who finishes the race will get a crown- a CROWN for all.  What an assurance!  

My friend, the question today is, can Paul’s  testimony become our testimony? Paul said, " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."(2 Tim 4:7).   Therefore let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.  Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us that we may receive the prize!  Our Redeemer is our helper!

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