FOCUS FOR IMPACT (7)

“Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air” – 1 Corinthians 9:26

Paul again used two images from the Greek games to buttress the import of FOCUS for IMPACT: “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air” (1 Cor.9:26). The first is the analogy of athletes in a race striving for a prize. The second is the image of a fighter (it seems like a boxer) competing to win. Just as athletes must focus on winning, and train vigorously, so too must we, striving for a prize that is eternal, not perishable. The apostle also stressed the importance of self-control, not just for physical endurance, but for spiritual development and living to please God.

In First Century Corinth, only one runner would receive the prize, a laurel wreath, to signify his victory. Paul used this image to call Believers to a life of dedication to Christ and His mission. Just as an athlete strives to win, so too we should lay aside any hindrance and give ourselves to the cause of Christ. The Christian’s goal is to not be aimless in spiritual growth and commitment to the people of God, but, like an athlete competing for a prize, pursue it with all we have. The main message is that followers of Christ are called and urged to live with focus, purpose, and discipline, avoiding aimless living, and pursuing eternal rewards. Our natural self will run aimlessly; God invites us to run with focus to receive the prize. 

The call is to either pursue a life of discipline or be “disqualified” (v.27). We can either take our faith seriously and pursue godliness or live as if it is all a show. The word “disqualified” here means “shown as counterfeit.” This would be the spiritual lives of the Pharisees who looked the part on the outside but were inwardly dead. It would be going through the motions of the Christian religion, but not running in such a way as to win the prize. The image of running aimlessly means that one can either run with focus and purpose or run around in circles going nowhere; expending energy, yet stuck in the same spot!

Every Believer in Christ has a call from God and should focus all efforts completely on it. We should be pressing forward and deliberately pursuing our God-given goal every day. Just as an athlete sets eyes on the gold medal, we must set our eyes on Jesus as the main Focus of our lives. He’s who we are pressing toward. His call on our life is the goal, and nothing will keep us from reaching Him. Spiritual discipline, personal sacrifice, and the good fight of faith are investments toward an eternal reward far surpassing any earthly glory. Our race is filled with purpose, leading us to an everlasting crown of righteousness, reserved by Our Righteous Judge for those who love His appearing (2Tim.4:8).