Saturday, April 22
Run to win
Scripture: Judges 9-10, 1 Corinthians 9
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win. 25 Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.
26 So I do not run uncertainly or box like one who hits only air. 27 Instead I subdue my body and make it my slave, so that after preaching to others I myself will not be disqualified.
Observation
Paul used an athletic metaphor to describe his life and ministry. Earlier (v. 19-23) he said that he does whatever he can to win as many people as possible to Jesus. Then he moves to this athletic metaphor: we run to win. We exercise self-control in everything.
I just finished Gordon MacDonald’s excellent book, A Resilient Life. He was a competitive runner in high school and describes the rigorous training he endured to be successful. That’s the picture here.
But this effort and self-discipline is bent toward a kingdom purpose rather than a selfish one. Paul is running for Jesus and wants as many people as possible to know him, and bends his will in that direction.
Application
I recently talked with a friend who has deconstructed his faith. He said that he feels free from having to change anyone; he can take people as they are. That’s one way to look at it. Another is that if people need change and I can help, I should feel glad to offer it. That “freedom” to “take people as they are” could also be interpreted as selfishness if I believe I have something helpful to offer (which he doesn’t believe anymore).
Someone said that evangelism is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. If you’re starving and I know where bread is, should I feel “free” from having to tell you? Or should I feel free to tell you, knowing I’m loving you and doing the right thing.
I believe that Jesus can make a bad life good, and a good life better. I want to bend my energies to helping others know Jesus and experience “life to the full.” John 10:10
I want to run to win…as many as possible.
Prayer: Lord, I love You, and I want to share You with as many as possible. Fill me, use me. Help me to run to win.