So run that you may obtain the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24
The Greek word Paul draws on in his letter to the Corinthians is agonizamai – to compete or contend. The root word, agon, is used for the games or the struggle itself. It is where we get the word agony or agonize. It’s an apt picture of the athlete’s commitment and what he puts himself through in order to win.
Consider a community 5k. Some are there for the social aspect. Their form and finish time isn’t as important as having fun with friends or family along the way. Others are there to win. They’ve trained and are focused, sacrificing time and comfort in their preparation. Which do I resemble as I run my spiritual race?
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:27
Running the race well is agonizing at times. It requires self-sacrifice, discipline, and hard work. And there is heartbreak, loss and pain. We give up casual comforts and ease when we run to win. Paul said he pummeled his body in his pursuit of the prize.
Why do athletes do this to themselves? For the prize. Our prize at the end of our race is Christ Himself. Our prize overshadows, even trivializes, any pain or sacrifice we may make. We receive a crown of victory from the King of the Universe
So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 1 Corinthians 9:28
Aim for Him. Go fast but guard your direction in going directly to Him. Examine the race you’re engaged in.
They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 1 Corinthians 9:25
And we must be reminded that we don’t race against each other. We race against anything holding us back from Him. Yet, we do not run alone. The Spirit runs with us, powering us and guiding us. He is the Great Coach. And we are a team of fellow athletes, encouraging one another along, not competing. but prodding each other towards the finish line. For all who finish receive the prize.
As we consider our Christian life as a race, it can’t be pursued as a hobby or social event, but as a commitment to win. Run with the goal in sight, focused on the prize, but knowing it will be difficult. Run with others, encouraging as many as possible. It’s going to be an agonizing journey at times, but the reward is worth the price. So don’t give up, lay aside every hindrance, and run to win.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
