February 10, 2018 Saturday

“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. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1Corinthians 9:24-27 NKJV)

            “Do you not know” Paul asks.  For some the problem is that they do not know and know it – this is wisdom.  For some the problem is that they do not know and think they do – that is dangerous! 

            As we study and learn we discover that more important than answers God gives better questions!  Look and see how many times Jesus responded to a question with a question.  At times we need to think about another question to be prepared for that question but we are impatient for an answer!

            As a Christian our life is a race we run not just every day but continually until we cross the finish line.  Or is it the beginning line?  We are trying to run the race in such a way that we will win the prize!

            When we run a race to win a prize there is competition involved but Paul does not tell us who our competition is.  Could it be that we are actually competing against ourselves – our fleshly self against our spiritual self and if our spiritual self wins we get the prize

            If that is so then when we have been saved by God we begin the race so our spiritual self will run better and faster than our fleshly self.  Without the Holy Spirit and the “communion of the saints” we would quit running and lose.

            We run the race for an imperishable crown.  In those days the games that make up the Olympics the winner received a crown of ivy which would die after a short time.  This was a reminder that human fame was only temporary and it was a warning to not anger the “gods” through arrogance.

            Will you run with God for the imperishable crown or will you run alone for a perishable crown?