“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.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)
“Run in such a way as to get the prize.” Paul’s words infer that one may run in such a manner as to not achieve the prize. This is his point! We have to live our lives (i.e., run in such a way) so that we will get the prize. So many people, believers all, think that once faith in Christ is activated, then it is an automatic slide through the pearly gates. Yet, Paul’s context clearly points to the necessity of continuing to run like a racer who wants to win the race. It is not sufficient to only get in the race, but we must continue to RUN THE RACE “in such a way” as to win the prize.
Our “running” in this Christian race cannot be half-hearted. We must run our race with the firm intention of winning it. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Aim at heaven, and you will get earth thrown in; Aim at earth, and you will get neither.” The author of Hebrews exhorted his readers, “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:1-2 KJV). Like our Savior, we have some enduring to do in order to win the prize. Like our Lord, we have some despising to do in order to win the prize.
The issue is not about how many can win the prize. The issue is not whether we can win or not. Christ has made the prize possible for every believer and sealed it by the Holy Spirit. For Paul the issue is the believer’s attitude . . . being certain that we are running to win. Why would anyone enter a race for any other reason?
Dear Father, thank you for setting the prize before us. Empower us with the spiritual fortitude to run the race in such a way as to win the prize. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you race toward the prize,