Being a Runner

1 Corinthians 9:24-27: “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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

“If you don’t make a total commitment to whatever you’re doing, then you start looking to bail out the first time the boat starts leaking. It’s tough enough getting that boat to shore with everybody rowing, let alone when a guy stands up and starts putting his life jacket on.” -Lou Holtz
It is all about our attitude and motivation. If you only do what you know you can do, you never do very much. Too many of us settle for some thing far less when God has something far greater planed for us. All people encounter challenges on a daily basis. Every trial is a character building opportunity, and the more difficult it is, the greater potential for building spiritual muscle and moral fiber. Much of the success of a person who dominates their problems is what they believe about themselves. We believe that God is more powerful than any difficulty we may face. Paul says in Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" It starts with that kind of mind-set.

Reflection

1. Paul speaks about preparation (9:25) when he says: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.” What type of attitude must one have to compete?

2. Throughout I Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul mentions the prize (our motivation) 4 times. Lou Holtz illustrates motivation on a life boat. What are they both saying about motivation?

3. Paul is saying that a key component to winning rather than loosing, to being effective for Christ, is deciding who is in control – You? Others? Your problems? Or our Lord?

Take the Next Step

Take your eyes off yourself. We can get so focused on our own world that we lose perspective. Let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. Think about all he endured when others did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up.