BY GREG CRUM, PASTOR, CALVARY TEMPLE
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:” I Corinthians 9:24-26
Here in I Corinthians Chapter 9, the Apostle Paul likens this life to a race, one that should be run in such a manner as to end up a winner. There is a lot of spiritual truth to see in this passage, a lot about how to conduct our lives and what awaits us if we run the race of this life well. It deserves some consideration, so let’s think for a few moments about the analogy of a race that is used here by the Holy Spirit.
So, there are various kinds of races in this world—foot races, horse races, car races and for good measure, we’ll even throw in political races. Now, while these races have different modes and various contestants, they all have commonalities in the structure of the race itself. Chiefly this: every complete race has a beginning, a middle and an end.
There are race beginnings that are usually filled with excitement and hope. There’s a lot of energy and willingness of the contestants to take on the challenge ahead.
Then after a set interval we have the middle of the race. This can be the greatest challenge for some. The excitement of the start of the race has worn off, and the reality of the struggles related to racing sets in. In some instances, the participants feel there’s no end in sight. It can take a lot of faith and faithfulness to keep pace in this stage of the race.
Finally, we get to the end of the race, the last stage before the checkered flag and the finish line. Some call this the “home stretch.” At this point, if you’re still in the race, excitement revives. There’s an end in sight now! You can see the finish line and what needs to be done to get yourself across that stretch of road.
Now, back to our thoughts on I Corinthians 9 and the race of life. Every race has stages, and so does every life. What if you knew this day that you were in your “home stretch”? Whether it was the home stretch of this stage or phase or season of your life, or of your life in particular, or maybe even of life as we know it on this planet, if you knew you were in sight of the finish line how would you react? How would that knowledge change your perspective on life? Would it change your mindset? Would it change how you handle what you’re currently going through?
Heavy questions, I know, and here are a few more for your consideration. If it is your home stretch, where do you currently stand in the race? Are you bringing up the rear? Are you in the middle of the pack? Are you in the lead?
If you’re bringing up the rear—how?! What happened? Did you somehow get off course? If so, now is the time to repent and get back on track. Remember the determination and heartfelt decision of the “prodigal” and come to yourself before it’s too late! He did and look how lovingly the father took him back in!
Maybe you’re not off track, but perhaps in the middle of the pack. That is better than last place, but what’s slowing you down? God told us to run with the intent to win, not just finish! Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us…” Do you have too much weight that you’re carrying? If so, get rid of it! That may be the very thing you need to do to rocket toward the finish line.
Finally, maybe you’re living your best life and you’re in the lead. That’s great, but don’t take your position for granted. Stay focused and stay fueled up! Colossians 3:2 encourages us to set our “affection,” or attention, in other words, on the Lord. Let’s not get bogged down with this life and miss the checkered flag and trophy that awaits.
Brothers and sisters, no matter the stage of your race, remember that according to Romans 13:11 we are closer than we’ve ever been to the Lord’s return. Let’s finish strong and meet him at the finish line running wide open!
Greg Crum is the pastor of Calvary Temple in Lovely.