1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Consistent training is the key to maximize the performance of an athlete. Athletes train 4 – 5 hours a day to grow, ensure impactful progress, and to build muscles. Routine workouts, a protein rich diet, hydration, proper sleep, supplements and sound mental health are few tips to improve the performance of an athlete. Both the mind and the body must be shaped to win the prize. In ancient Olympic Games a wreath made out of an olive branch was the prize of the athlete. ‘Kotinos’ (in Greek) or an olive wreath became the official emblem of Greece representing peace, victory, honour and unity.
Athletes run to receive a perishable prize but we run the race of faith for eternal life. A disciplined lifestyle and self-controlled dietary, mental, emotional and recreational habits, improves their performance on the track. Metaphorically, our disciplined lifestyle in our thinking, eating, talking and walking will help us run the race victoriously. Unlike the track events we do not compete with other believers. Each of us run our own race in the lane marked for us. The price is not for our performance but for our perseverance, purity, piety and prudency. Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:2b). We don’t have to look at the performance of others; it is not a cut-throat competition. We are only called to run our race faithfully and fervently. A runner who runs outside the assigned lane will be disqualified.
A golden wreath awaits everyone who finishes the race without foul play. There’s a crown of righteousness waiting in heaven for me (2 Timothy 4:8a).
Run for the Crown:
1. Muscle-Power: High intensity training builds the muscle power of an athlete and a regular prayer routine builds our spiritual muscle. There will be significant muscle loss if we fail to exercise for 2 or 3 weeks but a day without prayer is enough to weaken our spiritual muscle.
2. Mental-Power: Mental power is built by creating a relaxed focus. Spiritual mind is fashioned, toned and shaped by a still spirit.
3. Multi-Power: Multi-power is the capability to work in more than one level of power. Meekness is the multi-power regulator of the soul. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some (1 Corinthians 9:22).
Run faithfully, pray fervently, and fast earnestly to win the winner’s wreath.
1 Corinthians 9: 26-27 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Prayer: Jesus, my Divine Coach, teach me to discipline my flesh, my soul and my desires to be subject to a prayer and fasting routine. Coach me to win the golden wreath that is waiting for me in heaven. Amen.
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