Running the Race

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?"

Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (1 Cor. 9:24-27)

Two absolute absurdities in international sport would be the 10,000 metre runner who didn't know where the finishing line was, or the boxer who got into the ring with the intention of landing punches only on thin air. In both cases, winning the prize depends on rather more 'focus'.

In contrast, the Apostle Paul 'boxes' with real purpose. He aims to win the prize of an everlasting crown, but he knows that this will take wholehearted and self-disciplined dedication, a commitment characterised by strenuous effort and self-control. But in what direction must this effort and control be invested?

His point, here, is not that this athlete-like mentality and lifestyle which a Christian adopts produce something wonderful from a sporting point of view - fitness, skill, strength, trophies in the cabinet, admirers galore. Instead, as Christians, the purpose and strenuous effort, that characterise the top-class runner or boxer, are to be seen in our willingness to give up some things, including perhaps things we might have a talent for, or are perfectly free to do as Christians. We must do it for the sake of others and the gospel.

These pictures of adopting athletic sense (purposeful running), rather than stupidity (aimless punching), serve the point we must all grasp: that self-sacrificial love, rather than superior knowledge, skill or expertise, is what is to characterise Christians. A triumphant, superior, self-asserting Christian lifestyle that enjoys its freedoms regardless of how it affects others (Christians and non-Christians) is just worldly wisdom, not God's wisdom.

God's wisdom makes us free - but free to do what we ought, not what we want. We are free to suffer for our team-mates' good; free to risk our sporting credibility in order to win a friend for Christ. As a passionate supporter of my team, I am free to put my interest aside for a while so that the gospel will advance. That was Christ's way of liberty, hence it was Paul's, and must be ours.

Entering the locker-rooms, changing-rooms or supporters' bus in this way - with the mind of Christ - will mean we simultaneously reach the world of sport for him, and obey the command to do it all for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).

Mark Pinney, Logos Golf Ministries

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