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 a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat 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)
When an athlete decides to compete he goes into training. Regardless of the sport, he must be diligent in his training and consistent if he has any hope of completing the competition. When a runner runs he keeps his eyes focused on the finish line but use muscles that have been developing for years. The competitor has one goal in mind, to finish the race and win the prize. In the athlete’s mind the prize is worth the countless hours of training, pain, and self-denial. All the hours of training and practice make it easier to run the race.
Paul uses the same analogy to teach us that we are also in a race with a finish line and a prize. Ours will be given to us in eternity, but it is definitely there and definitely worth the time of training. There are training tools that the Christian needs to use to help them in the race. These are the “basics” that we need to practice on a daily basis. These “basics” are bible study, prayer, and scripture memory. By using these training tools on a daily basis we will be better equipped to run the race that is laid out for us. We will be developing spiritual muscles that will make the race easier. Along the way we can benefit by having spiritual coaches who can help us grow and hold us accountable to practicing. A coach can help us develop a workout schedule that we can stick to.
Evaluate your training schedule. Are you out of shape spiritually? Set a goal to read your bible, pray, and memorize scripture. Ask God to guide you to a more mature person who can coach you as you run the race. Meet with your mentor on a regular basis to evaluate how you are doing in your training. If there are other things crowding your training schedule, pray about what you can set aside to make practicing the basics your first priority. There is no other prize worth winning.