Dear Disciple,
“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 forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to 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 Corinthians 9:24-27
These words penned by the apostle Paul follow a lengthy explanation about his choices to became a slave of all people in order that he might win some to Christ and His gospel. Paul had a clear vision of the mission of Christ, and he was all in. The Spirit of God within him compelled him to pursue the mission with all the energy which Christ so powerfully worked in him (Colossians 1:29).
So then, as you read the passage quoted above, you get a sense of the passion with which Paul pursued the eternal prize of God’s kingdom. His words reinforce the important truth that there is far more to our life as disciples than simply “making it into Heaven”. Paul had confidence that he would inherit the Kingdom of God. That was not a question to him. He knew the One who had promised it to him, and he had complete trust that the One who promised was faithful. No, to Paul the question was simply one of faithfulness and reward. He knew that his Master’s reward will be generously given to those who faithfully serve Him.
As Paul addressed this issue to the Corinthians, he drew an effective parallel to the athletics of the day. This is brilliant! As so many do now, the people then loved athletics and impressive physical feats. They honored those who had disciplined their physical bodies to the point that they could do what ordinary people could not. They sought prizes and glory, and so they pushed themselves to achieve and excel. Of course, as Paul pointed out, what they pursued was temporary, corruptible, and ultimately meaningless. Modern people continue this same love and honor of athletes and athleticism today, so Paul’s comparison remains a powerful one.
We aren’t apostles in the sense that Paul was, Disciple, but we do share a Master and mission in common with him. Are we so convinced of the truth that our lives now can lead to endless and incorruptible reward in God’s eternal kingdom? Are we willing to purposefully and tirelessly train ourselves to be excellent as we “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1)? There is so much that our Master intends for us to do in this life and in this world by the power of His Spirit. With an eternal perspective, we are free to align our priorities and efforts with those of God Himself. Throwing off sins that weigh us down and exerting control over our own bodies, let us “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
Training to excel in Kingdom things with you,
Ryan
