Strive for the Prize: part 2

In addition to running with purpose we also need to run with perspective. In 1 Corinthians 9:25 Paul reminds us of the determination of a serious runner. “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.”

            In 2006 there were 37,954 competitors in the New York City marathon. Each of those competitors knew that there could be only one winner in their division. Each of those competitors had a goal for which they were running. Each goal was set from the perspective of the individual runner. For the elite runners the goal was to win. For most of the runners the goal was to beat a certain time or to attain a certain level of achievement. Each runner understood exactly what he or she was competing for.

            When it comes to running the race of life Paul tells us to set our sights high. He reminds us that the true competition begins on the practice fields. Serious athletes spend many hours training. They are willing to sacrifice many things to attain their goal. They may go on a special diet. They are willing to endure hours of difficult workouts. They may forgo social events in order to be adequately prepared for the competition. Athletes do all this training to win a temporary prize. It may be a ribbon or a trophy or even a cash prize. In the Isthmian games they won a simple laurel wreath. No matter what the prize is it will not last. Winning any competition is exciting but short-lived. For a few moments the winner stands in the spotlight and then it’s back to the practice field. The actual prize that is won can never compare to the effort expended to get it.

            In the race of life we are competing for a prize that will last forever. Unlike in an athletic competition each of us can win the prize. Paul tells us that God is ready to bestow the prize on each one who runs the race well. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me 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 longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV) The crown we are striving for is not fleeting but eternal. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV)

            One of the dangers we face is developing a wrong perspective about the race we are running. We can let unhealthy competition sidetrack us from our goal. Churches do this when they start comparing themselves to other churches. The goal can quickly shift from making disciples to outshining the church down the street. Individual believers can lose their perspective when they start competing with other believers. Believers start arguing over things like roles, spiritual gifts and life-style. While these things are happening the race passes by. There is only one proper perspective and that is to run the race for the glory of Christ. When we run to please Him what other churches or believers are doing or not doing no longer matters.

            Examining our motives is an important part of keeping our perspective. Are we running out of habit? Is going to church just a part of our regular routine like brushing our teeth and reading the paper? Are we running out of tradition? Tradition is a powerful force in our lives. It serves a valuable purpose in placing us within the flow of history. But tradition for tradition’s sake is a serious barrier to running the race. Are we running out of guilt? Many people carry an enormous weight of guilt that chains them to a faith they don’t understand or even accept. Are we running the race to please our family? None of these things are the proper motivation for running the race of faith. Instead we should run with great joy and determination because we have been called out of darkness into the glorious light of Christ. Our true motivation is gratitude for what Christ has done for us and commitment to follow Him whatever the cost.

            The prize that we strive for is not temporal but eternal. We do not run for the fleeting praise of people or precarious power or the accumulation of things. We run for an eternal prize. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV)