Run in such a way as to get the prize
In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul asks “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.” This has always been a favorite verse of mine, but I haven’t always gotten the meaning correct. I always likened it to an expression we used growing up on the basketball court that was: “Go hard, or go home.” This meant that if you weren’t prepared to be strong and play hard, you might as well not bother taking the ball in close to the hoop where play was more physical.
I always thought Paul was talking a little trash to the Corinthians. It seemed as if he was telling them to shape up and act right. Perhaps if you look at this verse alone, it seems this way. However, if you read the entire chapter a different context emerges. During Paul’s time, the Greek athletes displayed tremendous dedication in training for the games we now know as the Olympics. They went to great lengths and abused their bodies to gain a competitive advantage. These sacrifices were made so that when the race was won they could receive a crown made of laurel or olive leaves.
What I thought was a little healthy scolding from Paul was in fact an example of how to plan life as a Christian. In order to succeed, the athletes needed to train with a well-thought out plan for success. They had to trade daily pleasures for exhaustive training. Self-discipline needed to be honed and a singleness of purpose had to be achieved. Without these elements, there was no success for athletes.
Much of the text in Chapter 9 deals with our freedom as Christians. Paul talks of the law and how he has changed his approach to relate more easily to all types of people when spreading the Gospel. Paul’s point is that we are free to plan our faith as Christians. Are we disciplined in our walk with Christ? Do we work thoughtfully toward a successful outcome? If an athlete will train extremely hard to win a crown of leaves, how hard should a Christian “train” to win the crown of eternal life?
The example Paul uses here remains relevant even in our modern world. After all, it’s not often we get a sports metaphor out of the Bible. If anything, athletes have become even more disciplined about training in our own time. And, while it’s true that they now chase rewards more valuable than a crown of leaves, eternal life beats a guaranteed contract.
As the economic recession continues, many people now see the insecurity of placing too much value on material possessions. More and more folks are searching for significance in their lives. As these people go searching for meaning, can Asbury UMC reach out to them with the Good News of Jesus? It will take a disciplined, thoughtful approach from our congregation not to miss this opportunity. As our church passes through this pivotal time, please plan thoughtfully how you can participate. Giving of your time, your talents and your resources will help Asbury to “win the race”.
Don Bowers, Stewardship Chair
