The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of athletic events to describe what the believer’s life should be after having received Christ as Savior. Referring to the sporting events held in his day, he says --
… “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. And 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. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”(I Cor 9:35- 27 NASB)
While there is only one winner in an athletic event, the spiritual life differs in that every believer in Christ has the opportunity to be a winner. God provides all that is necessary for us to be an effective participant and complete that which He has purposed. The Christian life is not one of competition. Our lives are not compared with others to see who has run the race more effectively. Each is to live his or her own life as unto the Lord. The spiritual race is one of allowing God to work in our lives --
…“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”(Phil 2:13 NKJV)
Therefore, if each of us is to be a winner in this race, it requires spiritual training. This demands that we be in fellowship, having no unconfessed sin in our life, so that God the Holy Spirit can instruct us from the Word of God.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”(1 John 1:9 NKJV)
Having claimed the grace provision of forgiveness and cleansing, we are in a position to learn the playing manual, God’s Word. The training program for the Christian life includes at least three important components. First there must be accurate instruction in developing ones skill to participate effectively. This includes knowledge of the rules, acquiring the correct techniques of proper execution and developing consistency in self discipline. In speaking to Timothy, Paul wrote --
... “similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.”(2 Tim 2:5 NIV)
Secondly, the thinking or attitude of the student will determine his or her ability to learn. Again, it is Paul that wrote concerning this --
… “the attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had:”(Phil 2:5 TEV)
The writer of the Hebrews expressed a similar thought --
… “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”(Heb 12:1-2 NASB)
Thirdly, correct execution of all that was acquired in training becomes essential. To the Corinthians Paul said --
… “run in such a way that you may win.”(I Cor 9:24 NASB)
To the Christians in Philippi he wrote --
… “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”(Phil 3:13-14 NASB)
Isaiah’s message of encouragement is a pertinent today as it was in the time in which he said --
… “But those who trust in the LORD for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.”(Isa 40:31 TEV)
Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today
I’m rushing and hurrying at a rapid rate.
My life is so full, obligations are many.
“Find time for God?” ….There isn’t any!
No doubt it would help to be filled with His Spirit,
And I know if I asked Him, God would definitely hear it.
I had hoped to find some free time Yesterday,
But there was not a spare moment to stop and pray.
Maybe Tomorrow will have some more hours,
And I can find time to stop and smell the flowers.
….But what if Today is my last day on earth!
What will I have accomplished of Eternal Worth?
The days rapidly fly by; my life is going so fast,
And only what’s done In The Spirit will Eternally last.
Each hour of the day opportunity is mine
To use Bible Doctrine and Redeem the Time.
Tomorrow is a total Mystery,
And Yesterday is ancient History.
Today is the Present that God has sent,
Only twenty-four hours before it, too, is spent.
This Present moment is a Grace Gift for me’
And, finally, now I begin to see,
With so much to accomplish by the end of this day,
My Number One Priority is to take time to Pray.