Anatomy of a Race (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
I do not know this story well, but I heard that in one of the Olympic competitions many years ago, a runner failed to win, just because he lost concentration and looked briefly to his right instead of looking to his front. I came to believe this more when I watched the runners in various categories in the current Olympics. Except for very exceptional runners, the dividing lines between the winners and those coming behind them were very thin. A slight loss of concentration would indeed make a big difference!
By the way, do we know that many of those who win in these competitions are people who have been training from ages below 10? Except for exceptionally talented individuals, there are no magic wands for winning. Lots of practice is a big factor for winning in a competition of Olympics status. So, if worldly medals demand such from people, what of heavenly crowns? Are we at all taking seriously the race to which we have been called? In 2 Corinthians 9:24-25, the Bible says: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize..? Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
When I weigh the preparations of an Olympic champion against our preparations as Christians and God’s ministers, it does seem to me that we are scratching the surface. Have we asked ourselves what it takes to be workers in God’s vineyard, or ministers of His Words? Do we really prepare enough in searching God’s Words and praying before going ahead to minister these Words? Have we checked if our ministrations could have been richer had we taken enough time to prepare? Are we so much in a hurry to take up positions in the church without asking ourselves what it takes to meet the demands of these positions? I have accepted responsibilities in the past that I eventually could not play as required and this was a shame. I have since promised myself to not start things that I feel I could not do well. In Luke 14:28, Jesus asked His disciples: “For which of you, desiring to build a tower does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Friends, it is not a sin to say no to a responsibility you think you cannot fulfill, because it is far better to say no than to accept and fail in the responsibility. God is not looking for honorary position holders! Are you an honorary Pastor, Bible Study Teacher, Evangelist, Choir Leader, etc.? I will suggest that we examine our current assignments and ask ourselves if we are delaying God’s work. If we are, then I will suggest that we resign and take up other assignments we can play well –there is no shame in accepting the truth.
Every endeavor that must succeed demands concentration and diligence. In 2 Timothy chapter 2 verses 4 and 5, the Bible says: “No soldier in active service entangles himself with the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.” As a small boy, Tiger Woods was taught the game of golf by his father and, with consistent learning, he, at the age of eight, had become so proficient in the game that he was featured on popular TV program “Good Morning America.” In 1997, at the age of 21, Woods won the US Masters with a record score, becoming the youngest man to attain such feat. In late 2009, Wood’s private life became public and, one thing after another took him away from golf for 5 months. When he returned, he discovered that he had lost so much traction that he would need time in several multiples of 5 months to catch up with the game. Distractions from a goal can kill a dream. Are you distracted? Are you meeting up with God’s expectation on that assignment? Are you fulfilling the responsibilities of that position you are occupying? I pray that our dear Father will help us so we are not found wanting in whatever duty post He has put us.
God bless you; have a great weekend!
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