Everyone Runs
Are you an avid runner, either for sport or fitness? I’ve never been a runner myself, but I appreciate those who are. My daughter ran cross-country in high school, so I’m somewhat familiar with what it takes to be a runner. Runners embody focus, determination, and commitment. They run with the goal of finishing or winning–an admirable quality applicable to all of life. This is why it should come as no surprise that the Bible references running, using it as a metaphor for the Christian journey likened to a race. And this means whether you were a cross-country runner like my daughter was or have no interest in running at all, if you are a follower of Christ, you are in a race, and you are in fact, a runner.
A Different Kind of Race
To be clear, however, the race I’m speaking of is an altogether different kind of race. You see, unlike typical races, what prepares someone for this race is not physical training, rather spiritual discipline. Additionally, ability and experience are not the qualifying factors for “racers”. Instead, it is faith in Christ and a commitment to His Gospel. If anyone understood this unique type of race, it was certainly the Apostle Paul. You see, his “running career” began with a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus. And from that time forward he was transformed from a persecutor of the church, to a heralder—or a “runner” for the Gospel.
Run to Win
Paul spoke of this race in his letter to the believers at Corinth saying, “in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize–therefore run to win” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Yet, Paul was not encouraging winning as a means of receiving a trophy or medal, rather a far superior, eternal prize, the crown of life that awaits all believers, who through persistence, faith and trust finish their life race. This of course is the ultimate prize every believer longs for and will one day receive. For this reason, Paul said he ran purposefully, disciplining and training his body as an athlete would. And he did this so he would not become disqualified, especially after he’d encouraged others to run (1 Corinthians 9:27).
So how does this passage apply to us?
Well, the good news is, it actually does. For starters, it serves to remind us that as believers, running is not optional. The truth is we all have a life race to run—one that is uniquely ours. In fact, God personally designed our individual running track with us in mind. Because of this, no one can run our race for us, nor can we run someone else's. Instead, we must each run the race that God has chosen for us. And we can do this “by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
Next, we learn that running well, finishing strong and winning the prize, doesn’t just happen without any effort on our part. Instead, it requires diligence, focus, perseverance, discipline, and training similar to that of an athlete.
For us this looks like Bible study, prayer, corporate worship, as well as meeting together in a godly community—all disciplines equipping us to run with courage and confidence.
And while it is true that our race is personal, it is not private. Because of this, we must help one another and encourage each other to ensure that together, everyone runs.
So today, take some time considering your own life race, recognizing it is not a sprint, rather a lifetime marathon based on faith in Christ alone. In addition, take heart knowing a "great cloud of witnesses"---literally other believers who have run before you--are now cheering you on from the sidelines. And if perhaps you find yourself in a season of weariness from the run, remember Jesus, who endured and completed His own race, so you could finish yours.
Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of Your strength and the example of Jesus as I run the life race You have chosen for me. Help me to run with perseverance, focus and confidence. May my life be an act of worship to You, and may it inspire others to run with courage and joy. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
Reflect
What does it mean to you that the Christian race is a marathon not a sprint? And how might this truth change the way you are currently running your life race?
Encourage others with your response to this week’s question HERE or in the Comments section below.