RUNNING THE RACE

 1 Corinthians 9:24 Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!

During the Memorial Day weekend there are several races to be run. The INDY 500, the NASCAR 600 and various other kinds of races such as running to benefit someone or some political incursion into our life.

The Christian life is portrayed as a race that must be run and it is a race where everybody is able to be the winner.

The competition is with ourselves and not with other contestants. There is a training manual that sets out a daily routine to maximize your potential.

One of the things that is not allowed is being overweight.    

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Just as some runners can carry some extra weight and still out distance other runners so also can some Christians allow some weights in their life and out service other Christians.

This is not the issue for you do not measure yourself by others but by your potential. There is more to the above scripture than a casual reading can be seen.

Like it or not there is a crowd watching. Within the crowd are supporters and critics here on earth where our race is run. The only way to address the detractors is to run according to the rules. This may not shut them up but it will cause them to admit I find no fault in him.

During the preparation period you must strip yourself of the weights that will slow you down. At times they may be legitimate things, lawful things but not expedient things.

Paul speaks of these things in 1 Corinthians 10:23 You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is good for you. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is beneficial.

Weights are the things that will keep you in the slow lane when you should be in the fast lane. As you look around you may see other Christians who carry extra weight and outrun you.  This can cause you some consternation but they are falling far below their abilities, and are not winning their particular race.

The “sin that besets you.” Sin will cause you to fall on your face and the crowd will see it. You may not be disqualified but you will be far behind where you should be and will never be able to catch up.

What to do?  As the song says “pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again.”

Restarts can be painful but they get you going again so you can finish the race.

1 Corinthians 9:25 Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run."  

There are three things to beware of; sins, weights, and people who will slow you down. Some may be good intentioned but must be avoided.

Galatians 5:7 You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?

At times it may be a friend instead of a foe.

As you watch the races this weekend be reminded of what is required of you, as you run your race.

Run well, receive your prize.