"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..."
-1 Cor. 9:24-26 NASB
Three things stand out to me here; The nature of the prize, the purposefulness of the running/boxing, and the determination with which one both prepares and performs.
1) The Nature of the Prize.
Paul and the Olympic runner share something in common. They both have a highly valued prize in view, for which they give every last ounce of strength to obtain. The difference between the prizes is made extremely obvious by Paul. The runner runs for the "perishable wreath," while Paul, and his fellow Christian laborers, strive for the wreath "imperishable;" the "crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim.4:8). This imperishable wreath, or prize, is something eternal.
2) The Purposefulness of Paul's Running and Boxing.
Can you image an athlete who, determined to complete the race ahead of his competitors, runs with all his might, without the slightest idea of where the finish line is? In contradistinction, Paul runs, "as not without aim." Paul has the end in sight, finishes, and obtains the prize.
Can you imagine the boxer, whose aim is to beat the opponent into submission, trying to attain victory while hitting nothing but air? Paul replies to this ludicrous display, "I box in such a way as not beating the air." Paul lands his punches, and with monumental effect.
Beloved, each one of us is given a finish line; to each one, a target for our blows. Some of our races are life long marathons, others, quick sprints. Some of our fights are a 12 round, knock-out bout; some a quick skirmish. Our effectiveness depends on our ability to know our aim. Without purpose, we cannot effectively run or box. This reality presses deeply upon us the necessity of time in the Word, and in prayerful communion with God. Some races we will find general to Christianity, others, specific to our personal giftedness. These ends and aims must be made known to us though, by the Spirit, through His means, for us to live out victoriously the purposeful life and ministry Paul speaks of, and escape the poor plight of the ignorant runner and target-less boxer.
3) The Determination.
This comes in a very short, yet powerful statement by Paul at the end of verse 24, "Run in such a way that you may win."
Paul's point here is more than simply finishing. The grace and gifts of God are not to empower for the mere completion of a race, but to fit you with the strength and determination to be that one, the only one, who wins. Paul lays down the reality before us, that there is a race to be run, and we are to have the determination to win, which means we must train. God's graces and gifts do not fall upon us, and fit us for the race in an instant, but rather come through the appointed means, which we must make use of. We will mock and razz that athlete who comes to the Olympic games expecting to compete with seasoned athletes victoriously without any training to speak of. So should we expect failure, great loss, and a good jeering, should we discern our goal and intend to run triumphantly without first being trained.
Do you desire the imperishable wreath God has for the victorious?
What are those goals and opponents God has placed before you? Generally? Specifically?
Are you being fit for the task by taking advantage of the means God has appointed?
"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..."
-1 Cor. 9:24-26 NASB
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