The Bible often compares life to a race, so I want you to think about this, in a race, the finish line is predetermined, and you make progress one step at a time. The same can be said of life, the “finish line” is “predetermined”, and you progress towards it one day at a time, but what are you running towards?

1 Corinthians 9:24 – 26 (NIV) “²⁴Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way to get the prize. ²⁵Everyone 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. ²⁶Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly;…”

Winning a race requires grueling preparation, training and discipline. The apostle Paul uses this illustration to explain that the Christian life takes purpose, hard work, and self-discipline.

As Christians, we are running towards our heavenly reward. Eternity should shape our goals and our lives. Paul gives an example of this when he says, “I run with a purpose in every step” (1 Corinthians 9:26a) Paul was a Purpose Driven runner! He refused to be distracted and he did not just merely observe from the grandstands.

The essential training disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and worship equip us to run with a purpose, to build Spiritual stamina, and to prepare us for eternity. Don’t just turn out to jog a couple laps each Sunday morning. Train diligently towards your faith, your spiritual progress depends on it.