A Word from the WORD: "RUNNING TRIUMPHANTLY" (Article 207)

[Life Fellowship]

RUNNING TRIUMPHANTLY

“Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. That is why I run straight for the finish line; that is why I am like a boxer who does not waste his punches. I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 GNB)

There are many images associated with the Christian life. In this particular passage, Paul describes Christian life as a race. Every individual who has placed his trust in Christ is like an athlete running a race.

 

The race we run is not a short dash or a sprint event; it is rather like a marathon. And it is God's desire that we run the whole stretch and finish triumphantly. For this, He gives us specific instructions and lays down clear guidelines through the Scriptures.

 

1. Run with PURPOSE. (1 Corinthians 9:24, 26)

 

Any athlete who desires to win a race must aim for the prize. If his goal is simply to participate in the event or run for the sake of it, he is not likely to finish on the podium. The Christian must aim to win the race he has launched out on- to do God's will and fulfil all of God's plan concerning his life (Acts 13:36; 2 Corinthians 5:9; 2 Timothy 4:6-7). Focus and single-mindedness are therefore of utmost importance.

 

There are many believers whose only aim is to somehow make it into Heaven. They ask for the minimum requirements that need to be met to get there. Such an attitude is extremely dangerous. For one, God approves only of those people who love Him with “all” their heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:37). He is jealous for each one of us and will not tolerate lukewarmness or indifference in our lives (James 4:5; Revelation 3:16). He seeks those who are fully devoted to Him and completely yielded to Him (James 4:8; Revelation 2:4).

 

And there are also plenty of other exhortations, warnings, and examples urging us to seek God wholeheartedly. Jesus emphatically declared that we cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Paul tells us that we must please God even in the most minute matters of our life (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17). James explains that friendship with the world is hatred towards God (James 4:4). And the apostle John, in his eighties, unequivocally states “Whoever claims to live in God must walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6) Let us not forget the rich young ruler for whom “one” issue was enough to stop him from entering the Kingdom of God (Matthew 10:20-23).

 

2. Run with DISCIPLINE. (1 Corinthians 9:25, 27)

 

There can be no discipleship without discipline. In our natural state, we have wants and desires that long to be satisifed. Ofcourse, all these are not wrong. Some are very normal and part of being human. However, as genuine and permissible as they may be, the Christian should not be a slave to anything.

 

One way to exercise self-control is through “fasting” (Psalm 35:13; Joel 2:12; Daniel 9:3; 10:3). While it is primarily from food that we fast, we can also expand it to include abstention from any habit or substance. These can be the newspaper, TV, internet, mobile phone, vehicles, etc- anything we think we cannot live without. Especially in this day and age, it will be both edifying to our spirit and beneficial to our body to practice fasting on a regular basis.

 

Walking in step with the Spirit is another basic way of saying “No” to the flesh (Galatians 5:16). A believer who has his mind set on the Lord and is totally engaged in doing the will of God will find it quite normal and natural to overcome the pull of the old nature. It is the “empty house” that the Enemy finds access to and gains entrance into (Matthew 12:43-45).

 

Both these methods need to be undergirded by prayer. It is only a strong and devoted prayer life that will keep us from falling into temptation and give us strength to move ahead in the ways of God (Ephesians 6:18-19; Colossians 4:2, 12). The disciples were repeatedly exhorted by Jesus to “watch and pray” so they would not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41). They failed to heed that command and when the moment finally came, not only did they deny the Lord and run away; Peter went so far as to behave in an altogther unChristian manner by reacting to his enemies with anger and violence!

 

3. Run by the RULES. (2 Timothy 2:5)

 

Indians are familiar with Shiny Wilson, a famous athlete, who was destined for the gold at the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul but was sadly disqualified for not running within her track. It is not enough to run; we must run according to the rules.

 

Clear standards are given for the believer to abide by and to build his life upon (Matthew 7:24). These standards are diametrically opposite to that practised in the world (Luke 16:15; Romans 12:1-2). To mention a few: when insulted or hurt, the believer is commanded to love his enemy; in the world, we are taught to return evil for evil. In the Kingdom of God, we are exhorted to give away as much as possible; in the world, people try to grab and gather for themselves. In God's eyes, one's inner condition is what matters; in the world, people are treated based on their external appearance. Every Christian is called to honour others above himself; the worldly system works the other way round.

 

Ministers of the gospel must be especially careful that they do only what the Father directs them to do. Also, whatever work is done in the name of the Lord must also be carried out according to the Word of the Lord. Faithfulness in money matters, proper management of time, maintaining character and integrity are some core values which need to be upheld and seriously pursued.

 

4. Run with PERSEVERANCE. (Hebrews 12:1)

 

Marathons require a steadfast spirit. And Christian life being a long, difficult race, the believer must persevere till the very end. He is not alone though! He has the resources of God's presence and power available to help him keep the faith and finish the race (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Jude 24, 25).

 

The runner will face opposition and obstacles along the way. These may be spiritual or physical foes. They may be inner fears or external conflicts. Sometimes the believer may even have to shed his blood for the sake of the Gospel.

 

The Lord is faithful to reward and honour our faithfulness. At the same time, He will be ashamed of anyone who shrinks back from following Him (Hebrews 10:36-38). The Book of Revelation which was written to arm believers to face persecution calls upon them to endure the battle and overcome, while reminding them of rich rewards and warning them of severe punishment.

 

5. Run ever ONWARD. (Philippians 3:13-14; 2 Peter 1:5-11)

 

The past needs to be put aside if we need to reach the goal. Whether it has been painful or pleasant, shameful or glorious, we need to let it go if we are to continue pressing on towards the finishing line. We must learn from the past, live in the present, and look ahead to the future.

 

With the hurtful experiences one may have undergone, the emotions need to be comforted by the Spirit and the mind needs to be renewed with the truths of God's Word. And with the exciting events or progress that has occurred, both gratitude for the past and a continuous desire to learn must be present.

 

We must be on guard against complacency or stagnancy. We must realise that there is always room for growth in our lives. Growth in faith, love, holiness and intimacy. Growth in spiritual power, wisdom, discernment and revelation. Growth in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you!

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