“So run, that you may obtain.” 1 Corinthians 9:24
Dear Ones:
The Apostle Paul wrote on several occasions concerning the subject of “running,” specifically, “running a race.” But what is this race of which he spoke? It is first of all an engagement, a commitment of all that one is and has, to attain an objective. This life to which the believer has been called, is one that demands clarity of conviction, and the willingness to embrace the moment of every day, as an opportunity to run. How is this to be done?
The first thing that we need to define with regard to this race is its objective. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians made this very clear when he wrote: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (3:14) What is this “prize?” It is the apprehension and winning of Christ in His fullness. There is coming a day when every Christian will cross the threshold of life on this earth, into the eternal fullness of life and light in Christ. In that moment, not only will the things of earth “grow strangely dim,” but all of this earth shall be eclipsed by the beauty and glory of God in Christ. In that day, the believer would have put off entirely, and forever, all that is of sin, its effects, and consequences. He would also have put on ALL that is of Christ. Christ’s fullness would be his own. Just as Christ is the way, truth, and the Life, so He IS the objective, the fullness of the knowledge of God.
The second thing we need to see with regard to “running this race,” is the means by which this life is to be lived. Again, Paul writes to the Corinthians, “…I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I,not as one that beats the air.” (1 Cor. 9:26) Paul’s focus is on the MANNER in which he is running. He is careful that he should run the race in a certain way. So what must characterize this manner of “running?” The first issue concerns the source of strength, a strength received only from God. “They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…they shall run and not be weary.” (Is. 40:31) Christ Himself, by the Spirit, is our entire strength and power to run, and finish well, this race. Secondly, we see from the book of Hebrews that we are to run without “weights,” burdens, or cares. All of these, as Peter says, must be cast upon the Lord. Thirdly, we are not to be distracted, or deterred, by “…the sin that would so easily beset us.” (Heb. 12:1) This “sin” can be an attitude of unbelief or doubt. It can also represent different sins, or “side roads,” or wrong choices. The path that leads to Christ MUST be straight, according to HIS way, no other. Lastly, the disciple is to run this race, looking in one direction, at one object, the Lord Jesus Himself, for it is from Him that faith is received to overcome, and to reign in life. So, with eyes fixed on Jesus, we are to run well and free, living by His Life, and for His glory, as we trust Him for the fulfilling of His will and work in and through us.
Dear Father, give us grace to run and finish well, this race which You have set before us. Deliver us from all fear and apprehension, for Thy grace is all-sufficient. We thank and praise Thee, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad