December 21 “On Your Mark, Get Set, Go…” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “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. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus, I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
Paul was writing to the Church in Corinth, and he was talking about running a race. There were many such events that occurred in and around Corinth, and he used this comparison to help the believers in Corinth to understand the need to be committed and focused. Thinking back to those High School Days of running track and those Football Days of running “wind-sprints!” Paul was telling the folks of Corinth that to be in a race requires “running!” He says that all that are to run in the race, must “RUN!” We are not to “walk” or “stroll” or “jog,” we are to “RUN!” We are in a race! A race that requires our total focus and commitment! Running the “race of Life” requires that we meet certain conditions. God has told us what is required to “run the race!” We need to “Hear,” “Believe,” “Repent,” “Confess,” and to “Remain Faithful” to the very end! Paul tells us to run as if we are going to win! No wavering or doubts, just solid commitment and determined effort to achieve the “Prize!” As I observe the conditions of the “Race of Life,” I recognize the absolute need for commitment and the need for a “New Attitude!” Stay focused on Jesus and may we all be able to say, as Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul had a good attitude, regardless of what went wrong, he constantly looked for the good and made the very best of the conditions. Listen, when things get rough, and they will, don’t complain or sulk about, and don’t blame others. Please don’t make excuses, just remain faithful to Almighty God, and remember that at the end of the Race, for the Christian, is Heaven and our “Crown” of Life! I leave you with the beautiful and powerful words of Hebrews 12:1: “Lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us!” RUN TO WIN! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!