RUNNING A RACE

Is there anyone out there that has never run a race? I can remember the effort I put forth, yet it was not my forte to move those legs and feet sufficiently fast to “break the tape”. Call it what you want, “my legs were not fast enough or my competitors were just too fast”.

When comparing the winners “wreath” as over against the “medals” of today we acknowledge that it is more contrast than comparison. The key of course was incentive, then and now. I recall a conversation with a foot-ball player, who played with Johnny Unitas in his hey-day. I kept asking questions about his injuries and surgeries, and found it hard to believe that a guy would have such an motivation. However it is the same type of incentive that drives a runner.

The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Church at Corinth likens their efforts for Christ like that of a runner. (1 Corinthians 9:24, 25) “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” They ran after months of preparation for the race only to receive a wreath, but our reward is “imperishable”. Self-control, discipline of the body – all being demonstrated in the word incentive. Run like a winner!

Somewhere in the past I heard it said: “A crown for the runner, a curse for the runaway.”

The Christian Life is a challenge! Mediocrity is not the accepted attitude that should prevail. We may not be first, but our attitude should bespeak that we are endeavoring to be foremost. Triumph is not just a name attached to motorcycles, it is the signature of one who has chosen Christ as his Savior and Lord and he accepts nothing less than his very best. So run!!!