Going For Gold: Training To Win
[ Reading Time: c7 mins ]
24 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. 25 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. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 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
The Common Wealth Games have arrived in Birmingham. It’s an exciting time for the city that many have been preparing for over several years. I had the privilege of seeing the women's gymnastics on Saturday and witnessed England winning Gold! What stood out to me the most was the dedication and excellence of elite athletes. They train for years for a performance that is over in moments. The lifestyle and discipline of athletes have long fascinated me because I believe there are principles that can be learnt and applied to any endeavour where excellence is the aim.
Paul also seems to see clear parallels between the training practices of athletes and the Christian life, challenging the Corinthians to train with intention and embrace discipline to see fruit. Paul’s guidance holds powerful principles for us to learn from as we seek to follow and serve Jesus with excellence in all aspects of our lives.
Get Clear on Your Purpose
If an athlete wants to win gold in a particular event, they must understand the aims of the game. A boxer aims to knock out the opponent, and a runner aims to get to the finish line first. Each sport has a different purpose, and the purpose will shape how each athlete prepares to compete.
Paul uses the analogies of running and boxing to describe the Christian life. Our aim as followers of Jesus is to keep the faith, to know God and make Him known. So that we can declare like Paul as he neared the end of his life, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith’ (2 Timothy 4:7). Paul had a clear aim in mind, remain in faith and serve Christ until it was time for him to leave this earth and meet Him. We too, need to run our race with that single-minded focus.
Have a Plan
Athletes develop a plan to help achieve their aim. They think about what diet will support their aim and what exercise or training routine they must commit to. We also need to think about our diet, and I am not talking about food. What are you consuming? What are you listening to, reading or watching? Is it fueling your faith and drawing you closer to your aim and to Jesus?
We also need a training plan. What spiritual disciples are you practising that help you to connect with and stay close to God? We can cultivate our connection with God through prayer, praise and worship and His word. These are foundational, but there are numerous spiritual practices we can try and experiment with, such as silence, enjoying the outdoors and art. What’s your plan? What spiritual diet and training will help you to run in a way that will get you to gold?
Persevere
Plans are great, but they need to be executed. Often we start well, but boredom, distractions and fatigue can cause us to want to give up. Remaining in faith and staying faithful can be difficult. Many difficulties can tempt and lure us away from following Christ. Some situations and circumstances threaten to rob us of our trust and confidence in God.
It reminds me of the nation of Israel in the wilderness. One generation failed to achieve their aim of crossing over and taking possession of the promised land for one reason, unbelief (Numbers 14). When the opportunity came, they believed their fears more than they believed what God had said. Remaining in faith takes perseverance like the marathon runner who has to push past the pain and keep running to get to the finish line. We have to keep going, keep believing.
Win the Prize
Finally, when we are clear on our purpose, have a plan and are willing to persevere, we can take hold of the prize. Fortunately, in the Christian race, you don’t need to achieve the best time to get gold; there is no limit to the number of people who can win; all we have to do is finish the race!
Paul controlled his body and embraced self-discipline so that he could finish his race and take hold of the crown. This imperishable crown represents eternal life. Paul may have trained like an athlete, but it was not to obtain an achievement that would fade. It was to obtain what will last forever, an unbroken relationship with God.
Like Paul arriving at our goal and receiving our crown may take self-control and self-discipline, but it will be worth it. ‘No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it’ (Hebrews 12:11). These winning principles not only apply to taking hold of eternal life but any endeavour where excellence is the aim. Let’s keep running to win, one day at a time, because it’s truly worth it.