“DON’T you realise that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-26a)

It’s a familiar sight: a middle-distance track event with the runners into their final lap. Concentration showing on their faces as they try to mask the pain and fatigue setting in. Knowing that one last effort is required and hoping they can maintain their focus and effort for the final sprint to… the finish line. Sometimes it’s heart-rending to watch those who started so well, tire and fade away towards the end.

I wonder how often the apostle Paul watched athletes racing for glory. It was a sight that stirred his imagination and brought to his mind “the race” that every disciple runs on Earth. Behind the athlete lies hours of discipline, as they dedicate their life to pursuing earthly glory. How the apostle must have marvelled at the single-mindedness that governed the life of the athlete, as they remained undistracted and unwavering in pursuit of their goal.

Ahead of the athlete lay the prize… earthly glory that doesn’t even last! In contrast, the follower of Jesus fixes their eyes on a prize that will last forever!

So, let us heed the words of Hebrews chapter 12, “let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up”.

And let us maintain eye contact with Jesus - the one who started our race, the one who sustains us in the race and the one who awaits us at the finish line. May we live the days left to us on Earth longing to hear,“Well done, faithful servant!” from our Lord. Like the apostle Paul, may we say, “I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me…”

Kevin Prinsloo

Pastor, White River Community Church, St Austell