In those seconds preceding the gunshot, each runner would examine his competition. By the looks of some, it was apparent whether or not they had prepared. What every runner wanted to know about the others could always be found in their eyes. Those who had prepared had a burning in their eyes--they were there to win. The others had only a look that screamed "Let's just get this over with so I can go home." With the exception of post-season, it was this way in every race I ever ran or witnessed. Some are determined to win, some are not. In the Christian race, which are you?
"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" (1 Cor. 9:24). Paul gave only one viable option for the race--running with a determination to win. To run otherwise is vain. There will be no certificate of participation handed out when this race is over. You're either going to be a winner or a loser. To be a winner, you've got to remove thoughts of defeat, failure or something else you'd rather be doing. If there is something else you'd rather be doing than being a Christian, you'd might as well do it. An absence of determination results in uncertain running and the uncertain spend as much time turned from the goal as they do towards it. We must understand that any strength spent in any other direction than towards the goal is lost! Jesus said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Lk. 9:62). He also admonished us to "Remember Lot's wife" (Lk. 17:32). She turned back and died. God's message in all of this is "Keep your eyes on the prize."
How is such determination manifested? In the same way the runners of a temporal race reveal their determination to win--proper preparation. Paul said, ". . . everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things" (1 Cor. 9:25a). The athlete who runs to win is self-controlled; he denies himself any pleasure that would later hinder his performance. Victory depends upon the greatest self-denial in preparation. The same applies to our race. Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself . . ." (Mt. 16:24a). To turn from the sin that jeopardizes my relationship with God is the only way. This goes beyond denying only action, however. Since we are to "[do] the will of God from the heart" (Eph. 6:6d), we must deny thought, as well.
Ever heard someone say something like, "Well, if I weren't a Christian, I'd . . ."? How sad and revealing that such thoughts would enter the heart of an individual. Not only should we not participate in sin, but we should have no desire to. Christians should hate sin! It spots our garments of white, and makes us filthy in the eyes of God. We shouldn't think of the things that we don't participate in as things that we wish the Lord didn't prohibit. That's mental hypocrisy and just as incriminating in the eyes of God as the acts themselves. Jonah is a good example. He went to Nineveh as commanded, preached as commanded, and brought about a great return to God. He did it all right. Yet, when he saw that God was relenting from destroying the city, he was angry. For such thoughts God was angry with him. Motions and motives must both be right.
The race is going on right now. How are you doing? How hard have you been training?
How much are you exerting yourself? I read on a shirt several years ago the statement: "I've never lost, I've just been a little behind when the time ran out." Please don't be behind where you can and should be when your time here has expired. Now is the time to prepare. God simply wants to see through your life that you want to be with Him more than anyone else. Don't worry about how you stand in comparison to those around you. God will give the crown to the first and the last of those who have run to the best of their ability. We don't all run the same speed, but we can all win. Praise the Lord, we can all win!
Evangelist-in-Preparation
Murray Road Church of Christ