TEXT:

‘You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.’ – 1 Corinthians 9:24 The Message

THOUGHT:

The new football season and London World Athletics Championships both started last weekend. Guess which one Jenny prefers? Athletics every time! Watching live TV and recorded highlights, the same complaint arises. Far too much talking by the experts of yesteryear coupled with not enough live action of those athletes doing the competing.

The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian church that Christianity is like a race – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. They would have been well aware of that comparison living just under 200 km from Olympia, home of the Olympic Games. He urged Christians to run in a way that reflected a godly, winning mentality.

World Championship Athletes are not competing to become an athlete but because they are one! So it is with Christianity. Christians do not run the race to become one, but because they are one. They have received Christ as their personal Saviour; they are born again and have started a brand new life. God wants them to display that to a watching world. They want everyone to see and understand that becoming a Christian is the best thing that can happen to them in this world.

Paul highlighted some key qualities needed when running a race.

• Desire – ‘run to win’

Run, participate, do not just spectate. Jesus said, ‘Let your light so shine before men’ – Matthew 5:16. Who else knows you are a Christian? Do not be a secret believer, but desire to be seen so that others may be influenced for good. Paul did not run with uncertainty, he always had a goal.

• Dedication – ‘all good athletes train heard’

Many Christians are vocal about their faith only within the church they are committed to attending. Out on their own in a darkened, sinful world, fear stops their light from shining. Athletes have to endure the loneliness of training, whether days are cold, wet or sunny. Months of repetitive programmes in order to become a champion. They are what they are whether they are with other people or alone. Ask yourself this question, “If I do not let my light shine, who else is there to do it?”

• Discipline – ‘I discipline my body and bring it under control’

Athletes are required to compete lawfully, within the rules of their sport. People are quick to remember those who cheated as Gatlin experienced when he won the 100m race beating Usain Bolt. Rules are to be obeyed and the consequences for disobedience can be very harsh. The greatest barrier to effective evangelism and sharing one’s faith is hypocritical living. Talking about living for Jesus, but displaying a lifestyle that is opposite to what Jesus taught. Christians need to bring their body under control and in line with what the Bible teaches. After all it still is God’s Word to us today.

• Delight

It is wonderful to see the beaming faces and wild celebrations of the medal winners. All their hard work paid off as they receive the world’s adulation. The Christian’s goal is to receive a, “Well done, good and faithful servant” from their Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible makes it very clear that running the race correctly and faithfully will be rewarded not just in this life but also in the life to come.

• Downside

World champion athletes only reign for two years, then they have to do it all over again or someone else takes their crown. Also their records can be broken, their medals lost or stolen. What they have received is only temporary and perishable. In contrast, the Christian’s reward is eternal and cannot be stolen by thieves or tarnished by insects or the elements. This is why Jesus told us to store up treasure in heaven. Do you have any up there or are all your possessions only here on earth?

The disappointment and tears of those who had not done enough for a medal or performed below their expected level was evident for all to see. Would they continue or give up!

Paul reminded Timothy that he had run and finished his race and kept the faith – 2 Timothy 4:7. Now Timothy had to do the same. What about you?