In Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth he says this: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we, an imperishable. Therefore, I run in such a way as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air, but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others I myself will not be disqualified” [I Cor 9:24-27].
In a normal race of athletes, the runners are all competing against time and/or against one another. The winner receives some earthly token of his/her achievement i.e. the prize, be it a ribbon, trophy, a medal or money. In Paul’s day, the era of the Corinthian games, the winner was awarded a wreath to be worn on the head.
Paul says everyone who competes “exercises self-control in all things”. The intense training, self- discipline, and other strict regimens helped prepare the athlete for the “big race”, in the hope that he will walk away with the coveted prize awarded the champion. Paul says those athletes engage in such disciplines so as to earn a prize, that is earthly, short lived and not enduring-i.e. “perishable”. But Paul also says that the “prize” available to a Christ follower is not perishable, i.e. instead it is permanent, in other words a prize reserved in heaven for each of us who has run in such a way as to ‘win’ the prize. Paul also describes himself like he was an athlete, as a purposeful runner, intent on winning but his race is not against other people. In Philippians 3:14 he says ” I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”.
In the letter to the Hebrews, the writer states: …” let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross despising the shame.. for consider Him, [i.e. as a model] who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” [Heb 12: 1-3 in part].
The Christian life is like a marathon, not a short foot race, and it therefore requires focused, unencumbered endurance to finish it well. Paul says his athlete-like life is purposeful, not aimless, not like a boxer just beating the air. Paul’s self-discipline [“I discipline my body and make it my slave”], his focused purpose, and entrenched spirit of endurance, evidences his athletic mindset to “go for the gold”, i.e. God’s prize, His “well done” in the hereafter, but also, Paul’s goal of knowing Christ more and more deeply, experiencing His dynamic power in this life-“that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection” [Phil 3:10] and in 3:17 Paul challenges us to join him in running the race to win: “Brethren, join in following my example”.
Do you also desire to win the “prize” of God’s ‘well done’? Do you also desire to win the prize of a deeper, more dynamic relationship with God in your daily life? Are you developing and implementing more and more the spiritual, emotional, and bodily disciplines required to “win”? Are you living in such a way, that you will win in the race of life?
Some suggested readings:
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life-Donald Whitney
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