Run the Race

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. [1 Corinthians 9:24-27]

We are all running in a race. Every second we are alive, we run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize. We must run hard and nonstop. We must run in the right direction. And finally, we run with the things that will help us win the race. If we do these three things, we build our salvation and run a good race. We will not suffer and waste away in an empty and futile life.

One. Run Hard.

As we run in this race, we must be diligent. We must run day and night. We cannot be lazy and rest on our laurels. We must run as hard as we can with all that we have. Exert an effort and work hard. At your job, school or home, be diligent and hard-working.

Two. Run in the Right Direction.

“I run in such a way, as not without aim…” Yes, we must run diligently with all that we have, but if we run in the wrong direction, the harder we run, the farther we stray from the finish line. If we are supposed to get on a train heading for Seoul but get on the Busan train heading in the opposite direction, it does not matter how fast or well that Busan train runs. We must run in the right direction. We must head for the right goal. Our aim in this race is to become one with God. We run in this race to become like God in all ways. With every step we take in this race, we must become closer to God and become one with Him.

Three. Exercise Self-Control.

We run hard. We run in the right direction. Now, to achieve the goal of becoming one with God, we must exercise self-control. “I discipline my body and make it my slave…” When running in this race, we must toss aside all the baggage that will hold us back in this race. We must embrace those things that will help in running this race. Is a personality trait holding you back from being one with God? Toss it aside. Is your job preventing you from running in this race to become one with God? Toss it aside. Whatever it may be, if something or someone is bogging you down from running this race, exercise self-control and eliminate it. On the other hand, whatever helps you run in this race, embrace and fortify it. You meet a person who brings you closer to God. Embrace that relationship. How we sleep, eat, and live our daily lives must be in tune with this goal of becoming one with God. We must show self-control and discipline in all parts of our lives to run the race.

We are running in a race. Be diligent and run day and night! We must not box just to beat the air. We must run in the right direction and with the right goal in mind. We run to become one with God. When running to resemble and be like God, we must exercise self-control and discipline ourselves. We must discern what is best for running in the race all run. Toss aside all the baggage that is holding you back in this race to become one with God!

Summary

We run in a race.