The apostle Paul often used the analogy of running a race when he was teaching. As Christians, we are running a spiritual race. In Acts 20, Paul is speaking to the leaders of the church in Ephesus, telling them how important His ministry for the Lord is and he wanted to finish his race strong. In 1Corinthians 9:24, he reminds the church at Corinth that everyone runs in a race, but not everyone wins. Not everyone understands it is a spiritual race we're running.
Christ-follower, go for the gold and don’t settle for mediocrity!
1Corinthians 9:24-27 – “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Be aware that your ’opponents’ are not fellow Christians. Our competitors are the world, the flesh, and of course, satan. Galatians 5 is an exhortation to stand fast in the liberty of the gospel. Galatians 5:7 - “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” Sometimes we get ‘off track’ by poor choices.
It is not enough that we profess Christianity, but we must run well by living up to that profession. Keep moving forward in your faith, believer! Don’t let satan or reminders of your past trip you up! Stay focused on God, keep your eyes on the prize and go for the win! You were made to run the race!
Writers: Bryan Fowler & Holly Starr
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