In my years of watching the Olympics, I’ve never seen overweight businessmen running around the track to win a medal. Only the determined athlete who has trained and matured in his or her field of sport has an opportunity to win the prize for his or her country.
Eric Liddell illustrated this principle in the film Chariots of Fire. If you remember, just before the first turn in a 400-meter race, Eric was shoved off balance, and he stumbled onto the infield grass. When he looked up, he saw the others pulling away. With a look of intense determination, he jumped up. With his head cocked back and his arms flailing, he rushed ahead. He was determined not only to catch up with the pack but to win the race, and he did. As a young man, I remember seeing that film and that scene for the first time; it was truly inspiring.
Let me ask you a question. Are you determined to win the race? In Paul’s life, he was determined to progress in his spiritual development as a minister and to never stop running the race. We should have this same fervor in our Christian lives as the Lord’s disciples. In 1 Corinthians 9:24 he said, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (NKJV). Paul saw himself as being like an Olympian athlete who competes for a gold medal, straining every muscle in his body to get to the finish line. The prize will be “an imperishable crown” (v. 25). Be a victorious Christian today. Progress in your Christian vocation and run the race to win!
That’s what matters most! Fix your eyes on Jesus, press toward the goal, and trust in His amazing grace – and you will win the prize!
