The Race

by Elin Greene

(Verses are from NKJV)

When we commit our lives to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, we begin a race. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. Paul expressed concern about becoming disqualified, yet determined. Towards the end of his life, he said in 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. The Word equips us, His disciples with all that we need for this race. As disciples, we are learners of the Word having tender, fertile hearts to receive His Word. To run the race all the way to the finish there are many things that the Word tells us that we need.

With love for God out of a pure heart everything else in the Word will fall into place as we run the race. Mark 12:30 'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. To love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength takes a decision, action and commitment. As His disciples, we must be totally sold out to Jesus Christ, desiring Him above all else and all people. Whatever He asks, we must do! We love and trust Him and know beyond any doubt, that He always has our best interests. 2 John 6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. Being in obedience to Him is loving Him. Loving God is having a compliant, complete submission to Him and being in total agreement of His Word and living it.

Our love for Him as disciples fills us with a desire to commune with Him and to please Him in thought and action. When we love Him, we are thankful to Him for what He has done, is doing and will do in our lives as runners in the race. We honor Him by worshiping Him with a pure heart, in spirit and truth. John 4:24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." Our God is King of the universe and we are blessed to be serving Him. By His grace we are able to come joyfully into His presence in worship. He is all deserving of our love and we need to express that love. God is love in its purest form. Because of Christ in our lives, we reflect that love by the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control(Galatians 5:22-23). This fruit is the evidence of His regeneration in our lives as disciples and will be seen by others as a testimony of what God has done.

The Holy Spirit not only imparts His love for us, but also puts love in our hearts towards others. His love flows through us to those around us for our fellow Christians as well as those who are lost without Him. Mark 12:31 "And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." If this second commandment is like the first, then it must also be as important as our love for God. As His disciples who love Him, we are to teach and show others how to know Him and live for Him. God redeems us by His love and wants to redeem our neighbor also so they too can get in the race. God loves His creation and wants to work in and through His disciples to further His kingdom. Our love for Him gives us a heart of compassion and wanting to be in service to others, reflecting His Love.

We must esteem others higher than ourselves and have the attitude of a servant as we run this race. Jesus came to serve. Humility is a byproduct of knowing who we are in Christ as He is humble. We must maintain a humble heart when dealing with others. Matthew 7:12 "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. If this was put into practice in all our relationships, our lives with others would be more effective and harmonious. We run the race with humility as well as strength to endure. Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; We are to reflect Jesus Christ in us to others both by example and by testifying of Him in our lives. We are to love each other as fellow heirs with Christ and we are to also love our enemies as well. We are to love those that are not in Christ as we were all once in that state ourselves before we came to know Him. God loved us while we were yet still in sin. Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, Love is not just a sentiment but is a genuine, unselfish concern toward friend and enemy alike. The love that God has for us should flow from us to others if we are truly in Him running towards the prize. God's love is pure and holy, and we as disciples are called to be holy as He is holy (Lev. 11:44).

God is a loving, holy God, but His love is unable to condone sin. Jesus came and shed His Blood to redeem us as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. In order to run this race, we must repent of sin whenever we sin. Hebrews 3:12-15 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." As disciples we must hold onto Him steadfastly to the end, encouraging others in the race to do the same. Unrepented sin can indeed disqualify us from the race as a hard heart develops due to rebellion against Him. Romans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. When we are in Him we are a new creation and should not obey our flesh. Romans 6:22-23 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We cannot be slaves of God and be holy if we keep sin in our lives. Sin will take us off the path we are on and we must repent quickly to get back in the race. Sin is sin, before and after we know Him. His grace is always there to forgive us and bring us back to a right relationship with Him when we repent of our sins.

We will sin after we come to know the Lord, yet it is by our own choice that we sin. We may also choose not to sin. As disciples in this race we must choose not to sin. We must continually beat down the flesh nature that wars against the Spirit. Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. Our flesh and His spirit are contrary to one another. If we sin, we must go to Him repenting with godly sorrow, a broken contrite spirit, not just lip service. 1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. Jesus is our Advocate with the Father when we repent of our sin. Repentance comes from a humble heart as God looks on the heart of man. 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. We must have a contrite, sorrowful spirit within us in knowing we have displeased God and separated ourselves from Him by this action and the attitude that led to this action (Psalm 51). A repentive heart acknowledges the transgression and has a broken and contrite spirit.David was concerned that his sin may allow the Lord to remove His Holy Spirit from him. David knew his sin clearly affected His relationship with God. Repentance is a change, not just saying words.

In this race, we must be constantly changing to be like Him. Our attitude towards our Lord must be to never let anything separate us from Him. Sin separates us from our holy God. If we continue on that path, hardening our hearts, we will not finish the race and obtain the crown. If we are born of the Spirit of God, we will be drawn back to repentance every time we sin. Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. If we walk in the Spirit we will not sin as His Spirit is our guide. Sin results as a conscious choice of our flesh nature and needs to be repented of, bringing us back to God. As disciples in this race, sin side tracks us on our path. He is always there as a loving Father to restore us back to Him, putting us back in the race to run with temperance and certainty.

Since God forgives us, therefore We must always have an attitude of forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Since forgiveness is a necessity, we are to run the race forgiving one another. If God forgives us through the shed blood of Christ, then we must also forgive (Mark 11:25-26). If we have anything against anyone, we must forgive that person. We should not allow anything to disqualify us from receiving the crown. Matthew 6:14-15 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." If we hold unforgiveness in our hearts it is sin in God's eyes. If our sins are not forgiven by the Father because we refuse to forgive, then we have no hope of receiving the crown at the end of the race. By not forgiving, we have laid aside the principle of loving God and our neighbor, thus putting our race in jeopardy.

Unforgiveness may and usually does sever our relationship with Him and with others. Reconciliation should be our hearts' desire. God commands it and will not receive our sacrifices to Him unless we do. Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." When reconciliation does not appear possible, we must be sure that our own hearts are clear before God. Sin must not be due to our hard, bitter heart towards the other or a desire to repay evil for evil. Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Forgiveness from a pure heart can work a miracle in the one who wrongs us as they will feel conviction of their wrong doing. We must respect the work of the Holy Spirit and trust Him as He deals with that heart. The coals of fire are from the Holy Spirit and not our bitterness. We are to attempt to live peaceably with everyone all along our race as disciples who love Him and others. A forgiving heart comes from a heart of humility.

A humble heart goes to the person and confesses his/her sin and asking the other for forgiveness. This mends the break in that relationship. We are all His disciples running this race together. Just as we confess our sins to the Lord, we must have that same attitude towards one another. James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. If we practice instant reconciliation, it will solve conflicts that can cause much greater damage to the relationship if left unresolved. Since Christ reconciles us to Him, we must have that same spirit of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5: 18-19). Therefore a disciple with a humble heart desires a right relationship with others.

In order to have a relationship to others, it takes communication, just as it is true with our relationship with the Father. We must communicate with the One whom we love and loves us. I don't see how it is possible to have a relationship without communication. Therefore communication is important to our staying in the race. Throughout the whole Bible prayer is the way for man to communicate with our God, our Creator. 2 Chronicles 7:14 "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. God desires a personal relationship, and He asks us to humble ourselves. When we pray, seek Him, and repent of our sins, He in turn will hear us, forgive us and move on our behalf. Humility is looking to God, discovering our own weaknesses and having learned to trust God's strength. To run this race, we need to pray and humbly seek Him, by communication.

Our hearts' desire as His disciples should be for continual communication with our Lord. As we communicate with Him, He also communicates with us. 1Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing, We should want to communicate with the One we love and be committed to prayer. Prayer may be in many forms as our spirit communes with His Spirit. Jude 20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Praying in the Holy Spirit is a deep, spirit to Spirit praying that touches the throne of God and knowing that we have been in His presence. This often involves groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26), and it involves unknown tongues (1 Corinthians 14:4,14) as well as communicating with our understanding. Prayer comes in many forms. Prayer to Him is simple, without ritual, and certainly uncomplicated. We commune with our Lord as friend to friend.

Prayer may be simple supplication. Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; He asks us to make our requests known to Him by prayer. We need not be anxious as we run the race because He loves and cares for us. God desires to hear from us, His disciples in this race. We are to pray earnestly and put our trust in Him, transferring our burdens to Him because He is able to carry them. 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. It would be absurd to think we can run the race without hearing from God or desiring to commune with Him. He not only cheers us on and guides us as we run, but He is also our Purpose for running.

A humble heart desires to know the One whom we are racing towards and the One who is there to guide our every step. We learn of Him through His Word. He and His Word are the same. John 1: 1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. The Word is Jesus Christ, alive and powerful. He is able to equip us as His disciples to run this race. The Word is God's character and will be alive in us. The Word of God is not mere words, but is living. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, God's Word gives us all we need in this life to grow close to Him and direct and guide us all along the race. He does not leave us alone to run the race aimlessly but loves us and guides us through His Word. Humble hearts receive His Word even when He corrects us. Our spirits must always be teachable. We must receive all the truth of the Word with humility as His disciples. We do not want to lose the race because we did not allow the Word to give us what we needed to finish. Our teachable spirits make us learners and disciples of the Word.

Disciples need to be diligent in studying the Word in proper context as the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. We are not to casually approach the Scriptures or bend them to our own convenience or ideology. When the Spirit reveals to us a wrong belief, we must be sensitive to His Spirit and be willing to change and not harden our heart in pride. We must be tender in heart to receive from Him. The only way to healthy, balanced living running this race is to rightly divide the Word, having correct application by direction of the Holy Spirit who promised to guide us into all truth. It is a growing process for the disciple as His Spirit works in us using the living Word as we seek Him. Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Again, obedience to His Word keeps us from sinning. We learn His precepts in His Word. By faith in Christ we are made holy. Our lives will be ever changing, becoming more like Him, thinking like Him, and set apart to Him. A disciple desires the pure Word of truth being teachable and not wanting to sin against his Lord.

His disciples in this race have humble hearts to allow the Word of God to judge the intents of our thoughts and hearts, allowing nothing to separate us from Him. The Word of God is alive and timeless no matter what the circumstances. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Nothing in us is hidden from Him. The Word discerns and judges us, our measuring stick to see if we are in Him. His Word illuminates our path in the race to keep us on the right trail. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Gods Word assists us in life's circumstances, giving direction for each of our steps along the way in the race. His Word gives us practical know-how to make right decisions. The disciple allows the Word of God to judge his heart and to guide his steps in this race.

In order to win the prize at the end of the race we must learn what it is to be true disciples. Discipleship is learning and growing. It also means we desire Him above everything. We must be willing to deny ourselves, take up our cross, follow Christ and suffer with Him. Mark 8:34-38 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Jesus requires a loyalty to Himself greater than any loyalty to any one else or any thing. Being a disciple, a runner in this race, means being in total submission and forsaking all. Discipleship and commitment to Jesus can result in rejection from others along the way. The demands of following Christ can be costly but our focus must be on winning the race and doing what the Lord requires. As disciples in this race we will be seasoned with fire (Mark 9:49) as difficult and narrow is the way (Matthew 7:14). Discipleship means choosing the Lord.

It is our choice that our hearts are as the fertile ground that receives the seed, the Word, and understands it as in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. The seed sprouts and grows in us. We must run with purpose towards the goal, not as one beating the air without sincerity of heart towards our Lord, the author and finisher of our faith. The cares of this world can hinder our race as they take our focus off Him as in Matthew 13. The things of this world are only temporary. Our heart follows our treasure (Matthew 6: 19-21). Disciples lay up their treasure in heaven, not down in this world. Philippians 3:8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ We must deny the things of this world and set our sights on things above in order to complete the race. We need to give Him our all, our undivided attention, and not get distracted on this race by looking at things to the left or to the right. We are to fix our gaze on the Object of our goal to reach the end of the race. We must be disciplined in body and bring it into subjection to be like Christ so we do not become disqualified.

We all have an equal portion of grace and love from the Lord for the race, and His Spirit speaks to us of our need for a Savior and to commit our lives to Him by faith. Now it is a growing process as we run the race. We must be determined to grow spiritually as He molds us and not harden our hearts as He deals with us. It is and remains our choice to allow His Spirit to sanctify us daily for His glory. We all run at different rates of speed. Our loving Father is patient and longsuffering with us. If we grasp the basic principles of our faith, not rejecting them, we will stay on the right path. We must run in such a way that we will obtain the prize, forsaking all, loving the Lord above all else and living in obedience to Him. He desires to commune with us. His love will be imparted to us and through us to those around us. God's grace changes our conduct as disciples to reflect Jesus Christ. His character will become our character. Christ makes us holy by faith. The more we act and practice imitating the Lord, we become more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). His Word, the sword of the Spirit, (Ephesians 6:14-18) is His essence and guide for our steps in the race. Our strength to run the race comes from humility. Humility is practicing regular, diligent self examination of our own hearts. Humility brings us to repentance and forgiveness. We choose to follow Him and take steps with His loving guidance to endure to the end to obtain the prize. God's desire is for all to come to repentance, so He makes the race open to all, and the prize is for whosoever will finish.