Run (Diligently) Toward the Prize

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” - 1 Corinthians 9:24–25

Just a few days ago, Scottish runner Josh Kerr broke the world record time in the one-mile event. The world record was set 27 years ago when the Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj set the record at 3:43.13 (yes, that is running an entire mile in three minutes and 43 seconds!).

Then, just days ago, Josh Kerr set a new record at 3:42.66. He ran the entire race going 16.2 mph! Most people can’t even hit that as a top speed and Kerr ran an entire mile at that speed.

For a moment in history, Kerr will have all kinds of accolades, rewards, and corporate endorsements celebrating his victory. Eventually, someone else will come along and break his record, and everyone will forget the name Josh Kerr. His prize will perish and his name fade into obscurity.

When you read Paul’s exhortation to run to win the prize in 1 Corinthians 9:24, such language can feel a bit overwhelming. We imagine the pressure of being the fastest sprinter and all the glory that comes with victory.

But that isn’t what Paul calls us to. Jesus is already the fastest runner. He crushed all the competition. His record will never be broken. The call to win the race isn’t a call to keep up with Jesus. You can’t.

But he shares his prize with all who finish the race. Before I ran a marathon, I thought it was silly that every finisher got a medal. After I ran, I realized what an accomplishment finishing is. It takes commitment, resolve, and determination through the discomfort, through the obstacles. Finishing is a massive accomplishment.

The race we are running is a marathon, not a one-mile sprint. Jesus finished far ahead of us, and he has come back (by his Spirit) in the course of life to help us make it to the end.

And awaiting us at the end of the race is the prize Jesus earned. He will welcome us to the finish line as though we are the first prize winners. We just need to finish the race with him.

Brothers and sisters, do not be discouraged by how hard your race is, or how slow your progress feels sometimes. Others may be running past you. You may stop to catch your breath. But don’t quit. Keep your eyes on the prize and get moving forward again, even if it is at a crawl.

Jesus already secured your victory, now it is just time to press on to the finish line. We will not leave you behind, but strive together as a body to make sure every single one of us makes it to that glorious day.

Cheering on your progress in the faith,

Adam and the elders