“Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run (your race) that you may lay hold (of the prize) and make it yours. Now every athlete that goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we (do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness) that cannot wither. Therefore, I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. But (like a boxer) I buffet my body (handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships) and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit (not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit)” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 AMP.
Apostle Paul in the above scripture was telling us that the Christian journey is a race and each believer has his / her path or course set before them (Ephesians 1:11). He emphasized running with purpose, vision, pace, discipline, diligence, focus, and steadfastness. These essential qualities are developed in us as we embrace the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study and meditation, worship and obedience to God. When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, every single one of them crossed over including the slow, old and very young. Each person ran his own race and made it to the other side.
Apostle Paul also mentioned the chance of being disqualified if we don’t run lawfully according to the rules. A athlete that runs contrary to the rules e.g running in the wrong lane will be disqualified. A Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback has been suspended from important upcoming games for violation of the leagues personal conduct policy. His off field conduct resulted in him being benched for important games during the upcoming football season, even though no criminal charges are being pressed. A disqualified athelete is benched, sidelined or disallowed from further participation. Encumbrances, weights and besetting sins may stop us from participating in our divine race. Moses was disqualified from entering the Promised Land because he struck the rock in anger. Gehazi, Elisha’s servant was disqualified from taking over from his master and also suffered grave consequences because of greed. The underlisted are some races each individual believer is expected to run and obtain a prize from:
1. The Race to Heaven: This is the most crucial race before each believer. Jesus died to make us inherit eternal glory. Eternal life and salvation in Christ is a free gift but it has to be maintained and not taken for granted. Apostle Paul says we should work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) . Jesus said not all that call me Lord, Lord shall enter Heaven but only those who do the will of God (Matthew 7:21-23).
2. The Race of Destiny: Our God is a God of purpose. Every born again believer is called by God to fulfill an assignment in the world. Many realize this divine destiny and run with it, while many more never realize it. We discover our divine purpose as we become purposeful, and begin to impact our world seeking the glory of God in all our endeavors. Scripture references: Ephesians 1:11, Matthew 6:33.
3. The Race to actualize God’s blessing: Apostle Peter wrote that God has given us great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4). There are numerous promises in the Bible that has to do with our physical, material, financial, family, spiritual wellbeing. These promises are to be inherited here on earth and not when we get to heaven. We are to lay hold of that which Christ has already purchased for us (Philippians 3:12).
CONCLUSION: Let us imbibe Paul’s invaluable advice in Hebrews 12:1-2 of stripping off encumbrances, weights and besetting sins that we engage in that makes us run very slow and many times even stop us altogether from running. Receive abundant grace to finish strong in Jesus name.
Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
