Running the Race

A few days ago I was reading the Bible, and I came across this passage:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
~ 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Now I know that I am not the first person to talk on this passage, to use the analogy "Run the Race for God". But when I read this, I internalized it. When I hear a sermon, too often I just listen, I just hear what he says and leave it at that. But when I read this, I stopped and thought, "What does this really mean?"

The analogy is simple: Our life is a race, and as in a race, you want to get the prize. But beyond the simple analogy, lets break down what Paul says.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?

This part is confusing to me. The closest I can decipher it is: "Many people will try to get into Heaven, but few will," a paraphrase of what Jesus said. I think that Paul is trying to remind us that even those that ran, gave it their all, and got second, still didn't get the gold.

Run in such a way as to get the prize.

This is the motivational part for me. When you run a race, you don't ever let up. Even if you are ahead of everyone else, you don't slow down, because one of them could speed up at any moment and pass you. You run as hard as you can until the finish line so that you can get that top prize. This reminds me that I am not here to enjoy my stay on Earth. I am not here to work until I die, to have lots of babies, or to have all of my joys fulfilled. I am here to do the work of God, to run the race with all that I have, for God.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.

Remember that the race is not just run on the track, but in the practice field. You can't just go around your daily lives hoping to be a good Christian, you must "practice", you must pray, you must study the Word, you must spend alone time with God. Remember that when Jesus said "These demons only come out with prayer and fasting", he didn't stop to pray or fast, he cast out the demon on the spot. This means that Jesus must have done his prayer and fasting BEFORE that moment.

They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Here, Paul reminds us that we are in this for the long haul, that our prize is not Earthbound but Heavonbound. One of the biggest themes that I find in the Bible is: "Focus on Earthly gains, and you will receive Earthly rewards. Focus on Heavenly gains, and you will receive Heavenly rewards." Frankly, I want Heavenly rewards, so that means I need to focus on Heavenly gains.

Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.

Don't go around life with your brain turned off. Don't do anything without thinking about it first. You know how much money I have lost by buying things before thinking "Do I really need this?" Too many mistakes in life are made because we aren't thinking, we have no aim. Turn on your brain and find your focus in life.

No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Paul is saying "I practice what I preach." Or, "I said for you to go out and practice running... look at my life, I go out and practice running. I said run the race as hard as you can... I have run the race as hard as I could. I did this so that you can follow my example, so that other's could be lead to Christ through my actions. Now, YOU go out and do as I have done: lead others by your actions and your praise to God so that others will follow your lead."

OK, that is all I have for now. This post is kinda lame (in fact, I think it is my lamest post ever), it is just a few wondering musings of a confused soul. I hope and pray that you will be motivated and refreshed with what I have posted here, and remember to constantly run the race for God.

Matthew