Philippians 2:16 “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

In this passage, the apostle Paul talks about running the Christian race without giving up. This is because we have God’s scriptures that live within us that others don’t have.

Imagine ourselves running a marathon, working so hard throughout the whole race, only to realize that the race turns out to be a waste of time, or that we are not able to complete the race for the Lord, and all our efforts are in vain.

Paul’s message reminds us to not let out race go to waste. It is important to run with a God-filled purpose; knowing that we have fought a good fight for the Lord.

Find The Route 

Romans 9:16 “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”

1 Corinthians 9:26 “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:”

These verses remind us that a Christian’s race should not be run with uncertainty, or according to our will. Needless to say, we are not trying to advocate Calvinism either, though we are given the free will to choose, we know that we will be able to live our lives more spiritually enriched if we run according to God’s will.

As faithful Christians, we need to always prepare ourselves for the race. This is just like a professional marathon runner, who knows well of the kind of problems he/she needs to prepare himself/herself for. Therefore we can be more well equipped and more confident to finish the race.

Do we prepare ourselves by frequently and regularly reading the Bible, praying to God, have communion with God so that we can prepare ourselves for the warfare and problems?

By doing so, when we face adversity, we are definitely more well equipped to overcome them.

Besides, not preparing ourselves enough will also cause us to fall back to sin and temptation.

1 Peter 4:4 “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:”

The Bible also tells us to be careful who we run our race with. Avoid associating or running the race with sinners.

Hebrew 12:1-2 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Simple verses remind us to focus on Jesus Christ when we run our face, to make Him our end goal, instead of the world.

Moreover, when we focus on Christ Jesus, we are just like a good marathon runner who enjoys the journey and the process. We are even able to rejoice in the midst of all the pain and fatigue.

Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

Paul shows a great example of a good marathon runner who sets his sight on the Lord throughout the race. We should really learn from Paul.

Follow The Regulations 

If we seek to run and complete the race successfully, we know there are rules to follow. Just like good marathon runners, who understand all the rules needed to complete the race, and not seek shortcuts and cheat their way out.

Whenever we look for shortcuts and convenience when it comes to serving the Lord, we will miss out on a lot of God’s blessings. It makes no difference from the atheists or even the carnal Christians out there.

2 Timothy 2:5 “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”

Hebrews 12:1 also tells us to ‘run with patience the race that is set before us,’

Besides, a good marathon runner also runs without carrying excessive baggage or burden; which teaches us to not run our Christian race with unnecessary luggage.

This means we should not hold ourselves hostage with what has happened in the past, or even our secular duties that hinder our race for the Lord, because God will understand our responsibilities to provide to our families. Nonetheless, those responsibilities will never conflict with God’s duties for us as Christians as well.

Galatians 5:7 “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?”

Hebrews 12:1 also says ‘let us lay aside every weight‘

Philippians 3:12-14 “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Again, Paul’s testimonial is a great reference for us. Despite his past as a Jew that persecuted Christians brutally, he allowed himself to move forward and press toward the mark for Christ’s sake.

If we keep looking and moving backward, then we will only be much further away from the finish line.

Finish The Race

It takes a lot of patience to finish the race. This means that we should be patient with the Lord even if we are given a small ministry, we should still be encouraged to serve Him faithfully and fervently regardless of the number of members in the Church, the size, or facilities of the Church.

Just like a good marathon runner, we need to know that our race is not to be sprinting all the time, but knowing when to warm up, when to cool down, and when to sprint.

By being patient, we are also showing a great testimony unto others.

Galatians 2:2 “And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.”

Paul is being wise with how he preaches the gospel and patient with the apostles because he does not want to ruin his testimony.

As Christians, our patience should always be demonstrated through our behavior, especially when witnessing to others or just simply being around others.

1 Corinthians 9:24 “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”

2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

How did Paul finish his course? He knew that all Christians are running the race, but not everyone will complete the race.

There were two runners, the first one who did not see the worth of giving up worldly temptations for Christ’s sake, while the second runner did not yield into the worldly temptations, but kept pressing on the Lord instead. When in heaven, the second runner receives his reward, and tastes heaven for the first time, he knows it’s all worth it, just as how God had promised him.

So how do we choose to finish our race?