November 19, 2015 RUN THAT YOU MAY WIN
1 Corinthians 9:24-27: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the game exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, not as without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”
I recently heard a message that was “spot on” for our culture and I wanted to share the gist of what the message was about; and that is; we must run in a way that we win. Today, in many events where children are in competition, or even in a class room setting, everyone gets a “participation trophy” for just “being there.” I know that several events that I have attended where my grandchildren were involved, it seemed that every child got some award or trophy-the time taken to give out trophies took almost as long as the competition did. Studies are showing that “participation trophies” are doing the kids a dis-service. As kids reach adulthood, they expect a trophy for just showing up-and that just does not happen in real life. This idea of a “participation trophy” is also realized in the church and among Christians and is evidenced by some Christians feeling that just because they “show up” at church, they should get a blessing form God. The participation trophy mindset fuels the entitlement attitude that plagues our nation today. Also, the idea of being awarded just for “showing up” greatly hampers productivity at the job and in life. In the above scriptures, Paul addresses this issue of “participation trophies” and he gives the antidote for this erroneous mindset. There is no room for passivity in the Christian life as we have a race to run. The race set before us is that of getting to know Christ, and living our lives in such a way that we reflect our heavenly Father. Running the race well calls for discipline in all that we do-even in our physical bodies. It is noteworthy to see that Paul made his body a slave! Our thoughts, our actions, our motives, and our physical bodies must be disciplined if we are to win the race and not be disqualified. In our family, at the job, and in the church, we are to be engaged-making a difference, not just showing up. We should be asking ourselves if we are running well-and if our life is making a difference in the lives of others. Concerning discipline, we need to take personal inventory regularly and determine what we should stop doing and what we should start doing. Let us be proactive in rooting out anything that hinders us from running well. As believers, even as we get older, with God’s help, we can make any changes that we need to make-let us avoid getting “stuck in our ways.” We know that Paul’s strongest motivation and commitment was that of knowing Christ and being faithful in what God called him to be and to do. In Hebrews 12:1 we read: “Therefore since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” We do not run the race as a way as a way of earning God’s approval; we run the race because we are in Him, because we are complete in Him, because have been made new, and because our new heart has a desire to please Him in all we do. So, let us be counter-culture; let us dispel any though of getting a trophy just for showing up; let us run the race well; let us be disciplined for the race that is set before us; and let us make any changes in our life that need to be made.
2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which is the Lord, the righteousness judge, will award to me on that day; and not only me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
Blessings,
Buddy
1 Corinthians 9:24-27: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the game exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, not as without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”
I recently heard a message that was “spot on” for our culture and I wanted to share the gist of what the message was about; and that is; we must run in a way that we win. Today, in many events where children are in competition, or even in a class room setting, everyone gets a “participation trophy” for just “being there.” I know that several events that I have attended where my grandchildren were involved, it seemed that every child got some award or trophy-the time taken to give out trophies took almost as long as the competition did. Studies are showing that “participation trophies” are doing the kids a dis-service. As kids reach adulthood, they expect a trophy for just showing up-and that just does not happen in real life. This idea of a “participation trophy” is also realized in the church and among Christians and is evidenced by some Christians feeling that just because they “show up” at church, they should get a blessing form God. The participation trophy mindset fuels the entitlement attitude that plagues our nation today. Also, the idea of being awarded just for “showing up” greatly hampers productivity at the job and in life. In the above scriptures, Paul addresses this issue of “participation trophies” and he gives the antidote for this erroneous mindset. There is no room for passivity in the Christian life as we have a race to run. The race set before us is that of getting to know Christ, and living our lives in such a way that we reflect our heavenly Father. Running the race well calls for discipline in all that we do-even in our physical bodies. It is noteworthy to see that Paul made his body a slave! Our thoughts, our actions, our motives, and our physical bodies must be disciplined if we are to win the race and not be disqualified. In our family, at the job, and in the church, we are to be engaged-making a difference, not just showing up. We should be asking ourselves if we are running well-and if our life is making a difference in the lives of others. Concerning discipline, we need to take personal inventory regularly and determine what we should stop doing and what we should start doing. Let us be proactive in rooting out anything that hinders us from running well. As believers, even as we get older, with God’s help, we can make any changes that we need to make-let us avoid getting “stuck in our ways.” We know that Paul’s strongest motivation and commitment was that of knowing Christ and being faithful in what God called him to be and to do. In Hebrews 12:1 we read: “Therefore since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” We do not run the race as a way as a way of earning God’s approval; we run the race because we are in Him, because we are complete in Him, because have been made new, and because our new heart has a desire to please Him in all we do. So, let us be counter-culture; let us dispel any though of getting a trophy just for showing up; let us run the race well; let us be disciplined for the race that is set before us; and let us make any changes in our life that need to be made.
2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which is the Lord, the righteousness judge, will award to me on that day; and not only me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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