Running a Race

"So many of us have life goals, but have not charted the course of how to get there. We do not know the next step." Kathy Spampinato

A competitive athlete has a different view of daily living than the average person. He or she is focused on the goal and remains fixed on the finish line. He trains and disciplines his body, conditioning it to perform well and outpace the competition. He chooses what to eat so as to fuel his body, and denies it the things that would detract. He knows where he is headed and each day is a step towards the next competition. He is not worried about how his choices appear to others, or about the things that he is denying himself. He will not allow distractions and chooses a hard course, knowing that it will be worth it in the end. He will reach the limits of his own self, and run right past them, and the competition. His determination and perseverance direct his daily choices, and they take him all the way to the prize.

We naturally admire people who are focused and can diligently work towards a goal, regardless of whether it is the NFL, an advanced degree, or an Olympic medal. Their achievement is inspiring. We may wish we were as focused and determined, but let's face it: we are not willing to discipline ourselves to the same extent. We choose our own comfort instead. So where does this bring us?

The Apostle Paul compares the Christian life to running a race.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV "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."

I am especially drawn to the statement that, "I do not run aimlessly". As we go about our daily life, persevering through its challenges, let's not lose our focus and forget Paul's directive. It is a challenge. So many of us have life goals, but have not charted the course of how to get there. We do not know the next step. Others are goal oriented in their work or family life, but have left their spiritual life out of the picture altogether. Paul is refocusing us.

What is the imperishable prize he is working towards? Our spiritual life has the goal of pleasing God and sharing our faith so that others are drawn into a relationship with God, by our example. It is not a competition in the sense of beating others to the finish line. It is a linking of arms, and encouraging one another to trust God and walk with Him. We can speak up and make a difference.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 'All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; "that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation." '

We have been reconciled to God. We have a new focus and direction. We have a desire to share our journey with others, encouraging them to live in the faith, hope, and love we have discovered. We have to choose to go beyond our comfort zone. We need grace and direction to draw someone's heart towards God. Will we choose our mission or our comfort?