"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).

The ancient Roman world was familiar, just as we are, with sports and athletes. They had the Olympic games as well as the Pythian, Nemean, and Isthmian games. Roman towns had gymnasiums and hippodromes where athletic contests would take place. The Isthmian games were held every two years near the city of Corinth to whom Paul wrote the passage cited above. He uses sports and athletes to teach lessons about our spiritual lives.

The Spiritual Athlete...

Exercises and Trains - "And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things" (1 Cor. 9:25). Those who win athletic contests will train for months, even years, in preparation. The Christian needs the same discipline and self-control. "Exercise yourself to godliness" (1 Tim. 4:7-8), and "have [your] senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Heb. 5:14). The lazy Christian will become weak and sluggish, providing an easy victory for evil.

Competes According to the Rules - "If anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules" (2 Tim. 2:5). The rules for the Christian are the "sound words" of truth in the Scriptures (2 Tim. 1:13).

Competes Hard To Win - "Run in such a way that you may obtain [the prize]... I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air" (1 Cor. 9:24, 26). We are in a real contest for our soul. We need to run with endurance (Heb. 12:1), press toward the goal (Phil. 3:14), and strive together for the faith of the gospel (Phil. 1:27).

The crown of life awaits. Run faithfully and hard to obtain it!

- The Central Voice, February, 2014