1 Corinthians 9:24 –
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
This was an interesting chapter to read since it focuses on people who minister and spread the Gospel. Paul spends a bunch of time with how the people who benefit from their preaching should be supported, which could link into a lengthy discussion on tithing and the importance of that act. The primary reason to tithe is to support the ministry so they can further the kingdom of Christ. But again this can get into a legal and heart discussion, which I have talked about before and will table for this time.
We get into the final paragraph of this chapter and it starts to compare our salvation and work for God as a race. I bet you never thought of preaching the Gospel as a race. This analogy could easily justify the existence of mega churches, where they are big time winning the race for salvation. I know you have the “flip side” that personal relationships are not easily built in large settings and it’s difficult to get new believers to leave the emotional bounds of their salvation and dig deep into the truths of God. But if a “mega church” structures themselves as a bunch of mini small churches or groups, it can grow and develop new believers as well as attract the unsaved.
Now comparing preaching to a race is counter intuitive since many look at this as a common goal. But think about racing and what it does to people competing. Over my life I have race motorcycles, run foot races and been hyper competitive on a bicycle. In every instance my focus and intensity has been on winning. I would spend hours making sure my motorcycle was maintained and tuned to ensure victory. I would run sometimes 100 miles in a week to focus on crossing the finish first or at least with a personal best. Why do we not approach God with that same ferocity?
Think about it, what do you do to help the kingdom? Worship every Sunday? Or do you dig deep every day? Do you share your “story” with others and help bring them to salvation? Do you fast and pray? Do you tithe? Are you a fan of the emotions or a follower, willing to obey the hard stuff? Is your goal to bring the Gospel into as many people’s hearts as possible or fill your heart? These are hard questions and I cannot answer yes to most, but we need to review our approach to following God. An old racing saying goes “to finish first, first you must finish” … which means don’t blow yourself up in the first part of the race. Know this is a marathon and train/act in that way. And know marathoners need to put in the most miles to win there events!