1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get 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.
Life is a race! Which race are you running in? As I meditate on the first question that Apostle Paul asked in verse 24, it brought me to Mathew chapter 7:13-14 when Jesus made it clear there are two roads that every person must choose from. The narrow gate according to Jesus leads to life and wide gate leads to destruction. Are we running with the crowd toward the wide gate? Let's be honest! The wide gate oftentimes seems much more appealing which is Satan's plan so that he draws us to him. When we choose to run toward the wide road, we create our own destiny. We have no regard for others besides our goals and accomplishments. Our success and accomplishment are driven and focused on how the system or people within your circle define you. In the eyes of the world, you might be viewed as a smart, powerful, independent thinker, role model, successful and free spirit to do what you want. We thrive to earn the praises of men even when we know it goes against truth and often our conscience.
In contrast to the narrow road, our purpose and passion are guided by our confession that Jesus is Lord. Our earthly desire died (2 Corinthains 5:17 & Romans 6:2-4). Our actions and thoughts belong to God because Christ lives in you and you walk by Jesus’ truth and promises not our community, family, friends, or what people tell us (John 3:19, John 12:43, & Galatians 2:20-21, Isaiah 12:1-3). When we are walking toward the narrow road, we seek the praises and approval of God against all odds (Galatians 1:10). Our confidence is not in our abilities, traditions or what the world has to offer but in God alone. Our primary devotion is to God's Word which we allow to transform our lives (Hebrews 4:12-13). We regard no other but the Word of God as truth and life (John 6:63 &). You might be hated and despised by the world. We might be regarded as fools because of our decisions and convictions. (Roman's 12:2, Romans 8:12-13, 1John 3:1-10, Hebrews 4:12, John 17:17, Mathew 5:10-12, Romans 6:8). These are some verses but there are many more that give us clear pictures of what the narrow road entails as you decide which race you are joining. “He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death” (Revelation 21:5-8-NIV). Are you running on Jesus’ team to reach the eternal place?
