“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.” 1st Corinthians 9:24-26 ESV
I remember playing little league baseball as a kid in Forrest City, Arkansas, and one of the first lessons I learned was that when we leave the field we run off! When the team that was hitting made three outs and we got to come in to hit, we ran off the field. We were expected to show hustle in every aspect of the game.
The apostle Paul says to run to win, which is just as important. It is such a fine line to help kids learn to enjoy playing sports, but also help them understand that there is a point to the games they are playing...to WIN. We are each given talents and abilities and God has never asked any of us to be soft or passive. This is doubly true when we become a Christian. Paul says we are running for "an eternal prize," not a prize that will tarnish like an old trophy sitting on the shelf. What better place to put our talents and abilities to use and to passionately pursue victory than in the name of Jesus Christ.
What does this require? We are to run not just by attending an occasional worship service on Sunday morning with a little Sunday School thrown in too for good measure. As Christians we are not called to a jog or a recreational walk, we are all called to a race. A run that requires training, discipline, and perseverance. We have to faithful obey what God asks us to do, serve those around us, and accept those different than us. That doesn't mean we won't disagree but we will do it in a loving way and not compromise the values we hold dear. If you have ever had to run a race or run for conditioning then you know that at times it can be painful. The life of a Christian is no different. We are to give of ourselves in a sacrificial way and it is meant to hurt and not just when it is expected of us, but also during the times when no one sees us.
We run off!
The Greek word for race is agon, from which we get the word agony. It signifies a match or race in which endurance and determination must overcome the moments that it becomes more than we can bear. I can promise that you will experience spiritual cramps and pain along the way but it is critical during those times to cling tightly to the Lord and push through the pain. We are all called to race but only the few will run with excellence and finish stronger than they started. We have to run this race like our lives depend on it....because it does.
I remember playing little league baseball as a kid in Forrest City, Arkansas, and one of the first lessons I learned was that when we leave the field we run off! When the team that was hitting made three outs and we got to come in to hit, we ran off the field. We were expected to show hustle in every aspect of the game.
The apostle Paul says to run to win, which is just as important. It is such a fine line to help kids learn to enjoy playing sports, but also help them understand that there is a point to the games they are playing...to WIN. We are each given talents and abilities and God has never asked any of us to be soft or passive. This is doubly true when we become a Christian. Paul says we are running for "an eternal prize," not a prize that will tarnish like an old trophy sitting on the shelf. What better place to put our talents and abilities to use and to passionately pursue victory than in the name of Jesus Christ.
What does this require? We are to run not just by attending an occasional worship service on Sunday morning with a little Sunday School thrown in too for good measure. As Christians we are not called to a jog or a recreational walk, we are all called to a race. A run that requires training, discipline, and perseverance. We have to faithful obey what God asks us to do, serve those around us, and accept those different than us. That doesn't mean we won't disagree but we will do it in a loving way and not compromise the values we hold dear. If you have ever had to run a race or run for conditioning then you know that at times it can be painful. The life of a Christian is no different. We are to give of ourselves in a sacrificial way and it is meant to hurt and not just when it is expected of us, but also during the times when no one sees us.
We run off!
The Greek word for race is agon, from which we get the word agony. It signifies a match or race in which endurance and determination must overcome the moments that it becomes more than we can bear. I can promise that you will experience spiritual cramps and pain along the way but it is critical during those times to cling tightly to the Lord and push through the pain. We are all called to race but only the few will run with excellence and finish stronger than they started. We have to run this race like our lives depend on it....because it does.
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