Racing Towards Victory

Lately I have been studying and reflecting on the book of 1 Corinthians. This book is loaded with good information about living a godly life, the freedom we have in Christ, and the responsibilities we have in exercising those freedoms.

Paul digs into understanding freedoms, along with obedience, self-discipline, and responsibilities in chapters 8 and 9. He sums up his statements in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. I love his analogy of the athletes beating their body into submission, and running the race in such a way as to win the prize.

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. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Self-Discipline

In these verses, Paul talks about strict training, self-discipline, focus, and perseverance in our Christian walk. Paul use these kinds sports analogies to bring home spiritual truths in many of his writings. He was obviously a sports fan. In this instance, Paul is saying that to live a life of radical faith, and to reach others for the gospel, we are to live our lives with purpose and direction. We are to seek the Father’s will for our lives, and reach others for the Kingdom. Paul tells us Christians, that like an athlete, we should train with purpose. A runner does not run aimlessly, and a boxer does not box into the air. Our direction should be set and our path be clear.

Paul worked hard to build a solid foundation in Christ. This allowed him to persevere through life trials, remaining focused on the Gospel message and spreading the good news. No matter his circumstances, Paul always reaming focused on the ultimate prize, an eternal crown. He wanted this same victory for all believers.

As I pondered on these truths the other day, God pulled me back to the analogy of the athlete. Champions live with focus, purpose and self-discipline. From their training regiment, to proper rest, to what they put in the bodies, their actions reflect their primary focus: running the race well and victory.

I confess, this neck procedure and physical therapy has knocked some of the wind out of my sails over the last couple of months. Getting back in the gym, training, eating healthy, and climbing have come to a virtual standstill. As I read these verses, while eating a bunch of Easter candy, I felt a couple burning question. How are your actions hurting your witness? How is the fact that you are not training, and running your race well going to affect your ministry, and ability to share the love of Christ with others. Ouch!

While Paul was using these terms figuratively, the truth is, how we train and care for our bodies does have a lot to do with our witness. Taking care of ourselves gives us the energy we need to build community, and fully answer the call God has on our lives. This is especially true in a climbing ministry! Being fit and healthy is a responsibility when others rely on you to set an example and teach them how to climb.

As I feel the convictions of God in my life, one thing has become apparent… there is a serious lack of perseverance and self-discipline. I have had lots of restrictions during this recovery time. That did not give me the liberty to stop training altogether. I may not have the ability to lift a lot of weights, or climb nearly as strong as I would like. This may not even be this summer for leading at a higher level.  However, I do have the ability to work hard, fuel my body properly, and run my race to the best of my ability.

Moving Beyond Our Weaknesses

God calls us to look beyond our weaknesses, and run our race well in all areas of life. This does not just apply to our spiritual life. He has a calling, a plan, and a job for each of us to accomplish. If we allow adversity to crush our spirit, we will never get about our Father’s business.

Health and fitness are essential for everyone. For a climber, training and conditioning are key to successfully climbing that next big route. If your body is not healthy, climbing can almost become a burden, rather than and enjoyable, amazing experience. As I always used to tell my son, “Life is more fun when you’re fit!”

As climbing season begins I have been anxious, knowing that I am not ready. To some extent that was unavoidable. The rest, I have allowed to happen. With our climbing group starting back up, God has used these passages to correct my path, and get me back on course. While recovery is still ongoing, it is time to get back to business, both spiritually and physically. There are lives to touch for Christ, love to be shared, and a lot of climbing to do! Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go throw away the rest of my Easter candy and get to the gym.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. – 2 Timothy 4:7-8