Run the Race

                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. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

What is the goal of running a race? Is it to simply finish or is it to win? Athletes put in time and sacrifice so that they can achieve the ultimate goal—winning. All this effort would be pointless if the goal was to simply finish the race. This is what Paul is highlighting in the verses above. He is comparing the hard work of an athlete to the hard work of missions. Like the runner we are to have a single-minded goal. Paul tells us in verse 26 that the goal is not to simply finish or “run aimlessly”. No, our goal—our mission—is to bring as many people to the truths of the Gospel as possible. We may share the single-minded goal with the athlete but we differ on the actual prize. The prize an athlete seeks is a “perishable wreath”. We along with Paul are seeking the imperishable. The reward or prize set in front of us is more than a trophy or wreath. The prize set before us is eternity with the Father. The prize we look to brings salvation, grace and mercy. We have the greatest news on earth and we must share it!

There was no denying Paul’s mission after God saved him. He had his sights on one thing, sharing the gospel. He wanted everyone to know who Jesus was. His passion is spilled out all over the New Testament. He became all things to all people that by all means he might save some (1 Corinthians 9:22). He endured countless beatings and persecution for this passion and zeal. Some may argue that the gospel is not worth the beatings. Why go through all that just to share some story? Paul clears this up with his answer in Romans 9:1-3,

 “I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”

Was it worth it? The answer is an emphatic, YES!! Paul had a heart for the lost. His heart hurt for them even to the point that he would lay down his salvation if that meant that his brother would be saved. Is this your mission? Is this your heart? We sometimes get so caught up in our own lives that we forget there are millions of people on this earth lost an apart from God. I pray that we would share this anguish Paul is referring to. Model yourself and your witnessing after Paul. He hurt for the loss and he prayed for the loss but notice that he didn’t stop there. Paul made it is life’s mission to share the gospel. We see in Acts 9 that immediately after God saved him he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues as the Son of God. He didn’t wait. He didn’t lock himself in his room in fear of persecution. Instead Paul ran and told anyone that would listen the wonderful truths of the Gospel.

I realize that none of us are Paul. I realize that his work in missions is very intimidating. This should not get you down. When these thoughts arise remember that Paul calls himself the chief of sinners. Remember that he held the coats of those stoning Stephen. Remember that he murdered and arrested those that followed Christ early on. He did all of these things and God still saved him. God grabbed ahold of Paul and changed him forever. He made him new and He gave him a since of urgency in spreading the gospel. God can do that with you as well. Keep running the race with your eyes and heart affixed to the prize—God and His saving grace.