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Running the Race
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02/24/2010
By Carr, Dr. David
I Corinthians 9:24 "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." Over the past several days the world has watched in wonder and amazement as olympians from all over the globe have gathered for the Winter games. Countless are the personal stories of struggle and triumph. These games have witnessed the death of an athlete, the passing of relatives, the victory over personal trials, and the pure exhilaration of world class athletes competing at the height of their sport. In the Olympics, the difference between first and third, a gold medal or bronze, and victory or defeat, is often measured in hundredths of a second or the fraction of a point. After weeks, months, even years of training, the athlete can fall just short of obtaining the goal that he or she dreamed about. The Apostle Paul discussed these types of races in the verse above. All run, but only one receives the prize, at least that is the scenario that Paul gave. Paul would go on in the next few verses of I Corinthians chapter nine to encourage each believer by reminding them that earthly competitions are run for a corruptible crown, but we are running for an incorruptible one. Each believer should be reminded while watching the Olympics of the dedication that it takes to compete. Athletes must overcome personal challenges, struggles, setbacks, and fellow competitors. The Olympian may come up just short in their goal, however, every believer can strive to obtain the goal of being all that Jesus wants them to be and receiving the commendation, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!" In Christ, we can all be winners and stand on the platform confident that we have done our best for Him.
