A few weeks ago, Jamaicans, young and old, filled the National Stadium for the annual ISSA Boys & Girls Championships (Champs). So much attention was given to these days of fleeting excitement, and supporters had no qualms in showing their passion and allegiance to their school. But let us shift our focus to an even greater, more important race; one that many have yet to start or have started but are not running well. This is the race of life (running the path of righteousness).
The Bible mentions several terms or principles associated with sports. Let’s examine a few and see how they apply to winning the spiritual race.
RACE PREPARATION
…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. – Hebrews 12:1 (KJV)
Have you ever seen an athlete run a race in a three-piece suit with his luggage? No! He must wear the right gear. First things first, laying aside every sin is a work of God’s Spirit. When you believe Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses you and delivers you from the bondage of sin, His Spirit will fill you—clothing your soul in Christ, giving you “a foot in” to run the race of life.
Having been equipped to start, running well requires that we run without any weights, i.e., hindrances, distractions, etc. While sin in any form is an obvious hindrance, it is also important to consider that there can be some things we genuinely love, desire, or pursue that are not sinful, but in God’s eyes, they are weights, as they are not His will for you at this time of your life, or any time at all. He always knows what is best for us.
Other common distractions amongst youth include:
• Ungodly role models
• Time-wasting and having friends who waste your time
• Drugs and Alcohol
• Pornography
• Unwholesome Parties
• Suggestive and vulgar dancing, music, movies, literature etc
• Obsession with anything – social media, use of technological gadgets, video games, food, sleep, parties, guns
• Unforgiveness
• Malice
• Covetousness (comparing self and desiring someone else’s life/possessions)
• Excessive and compulsive buying
• Disobedience to parents, teachers, and other authority figures in your lives
Another critical element of race preparation is having a commitment to training so that you can be fit and always ready to run. Consistent and rigorous physical training is a prerequisite for any athlete before they can compete in the public arena. It is no different in the spiritual race.
Before God can trust us to present Him in people’s lives, we must pay keen attention, diligence, and instant obedience to His instructions, especially when no one’s looking. We must also give ourselves to fellowshipping with other Christians, fasting, prayer, meditation, daily quiet time, and a willingness to be trained and corrected by God-appointed spiritual leaders in our lives. All these things sharpen our character, build our spiritual muscles, and approve us as God’s athletes.
QUALIFYING TO RECEIVE THE PRIZE
And if a man also strives for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 2 Timothy 2:5 (KJV)
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (KJV)
Only the athletes who follow the rules of the meet or the sport are qualified to enter and win the race. For instance, competitors in a relay must stay in their lane. To successfully run and win the race is all about obeying God’s Word.
You will find all the wisdom and instructions you need in the scriptures to stay on the righteous path and garner courage and strength to continue running when you feel like you can’t. We understand there may be many discouraging or distracting voices that bombard you, but when you choose to follow God’s Word regardless, you will find His voice/influence growing ever louder and clearer in your heart.
DON’T BE A STUMBLING BLOCK
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient…1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV)
A wise coach will subject his team to a strict nutritional diet for best health and performance. Similarly, the Christian life is filled with restrictions and sacrifices for the sake of loving God and others.
The apostle Paul, who wrote the above scripture, understood this principle quite well. Desiring to always be considerate of the conscience of others and please God, one rule he lived by was that he would rather do without, or die if necessary, than to offend/be a stumbling block in the lives of other weak saints by causing them to sin against their consciences.
You must not allow selfishness, greed, or any other temptation to cause you to be a stumbling block, preventing a fellow Christian from growing spiritually, or even an unbeliever from being drawn closer to Jesus. Be willing to sacrifice your own comforts in order for others to see Christ.
FINISH WELL
Every good and wise runner considers how they run. They aim to improve what is lacking and perfect that which is already effective. Based on everything shared, we encourage you to examine your life to see if you are running the race of life as you should so that at the end, you will not be disqualified but receive the greatest prize—eternal life.
Andrew and Donnette Norman are co-founders of Passion and Purity, a God-centered charity and para-church organisation, operating primarily in school, church, and media contexts. They aim to help others find their God-given passions and pursue same with purity.