The Ultimate Marathon
Have you ever glanced at an athlete, muscles rippling, sweat dripping, as they race to the finish line, and thought, 'Blimey, that looks like hard work!'? Or, have you scrolled through your Instagram feed, envying the discipline of someone who's up at dawn doing yoga while you're hitting the snooze button? Discipline, sacrifice, and consistency might seem reserved for athletes or fitness influencers, but what if I told you there's another race, even more significant, that you and I are already in?
I've always thought of life as a bit like a marathon – not that I've ever run one, mind you. The last time I tried jogging, my dog looked at me as if I’d gone mad! But the Apostle Paul paints a picture of Christian discipleship much like a race. He didn't have Nikes on his feet, but the message is clear: keep going, stay disciplined, and eye on the prize.
Paul, while writing to the Corinthians, mentioned, "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" (1 Corinthians 9:24). He wasn't talking about getting a gold medal or smashing a personal best on Strava. No, Paul's talking about the eternal prize. The real deal. But hang on, it’s not about outrunning others in this marathon. It's about running your best race, your personal journey with the Lord.
Ever felt like cutting corners, perhaps in a diet? I remember trying a "chocolate-only" diet. Sounds delish, right? It was, until the scales told me a different story! Similarly, in our spiritual race, taking shortcuts doesn't help. It's about being genuine, keeping to the track even if it feels like a steep hill on a Monday morning.
We all face challenges. Sometimes my greatest challenge is choosing a salad over fish and chips after a tiring day. And yet, just like the athlete who opts for healthy meals to fuel their race, we too must make daily choices to fuel our spiritual journey. Whether it's resisting the temptation to snap at someone or prioritising prayer over another episode on Netflix (yes, I'm guilty as charged!), every choice takes us a step closer to being Christ-like.
Now, here's a little secret: this isn't a solo run. Surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, we've got cheerleaders from the past, present, and the ultimate coach, Christ, guiding us. Lean on them when the going gets tough. Remember, "His strength is made perfect in our weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Our daily sacrifices might sometimes feel insignificant. But, much like my Aunt Mabel's knitting – every little stitch matters. Together they form a beautiful tapestry. Each act of kindness, every moment spent in prayer, shapes us more into the image of Christ. Think about it: Paul highlights, "They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever" (1 Corinthians 9:25). That’s the goal: an eternal reward.
Ever stopped to think of yourself as an artist? Every time you show love or make a sacrifice, it's like a brushstroke on the canvas of life. But here's the plot twist: the masterpiece is you, transformed day by day into Christ's likeness.
Now, if you're anything like me and sometimes wonder, 'Why am I even running this race?' - let's get back to basics. The cross. That stark symbol of love and sacrifice. Jesus’ sacrifice wasn't just a one-off event. It was, and remains, the anchor for our faith, our motivation, our why. Remember His words: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25). That's the finish line, draped in the promise of eternal life.
So, next time life feels like an uphill sprint, or you're tempted by another shortcut, think about the marathon we're all in. It's not about sprinting past others but running alongside them, supporting and being supported, all in the name of Christ's love. Ready to lace up those spiritual trainers and run with heart and soul? Let's embrace the race, inspired by the Gospel's message, and remember, every step, every sacrifice is leading us to a prize worth more than any earthly medal: eternal life with our Saviour. How's that for motivation?
