Run To Win

Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we, an imperishable. Therefore, I run in such a way, as not without aim, I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

I love sports, especially those that highlight skill, focus, and dedication. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of sports that involve hurting others—like boxing or cage fighting. I understand the skill involved, and it may be helpful for self-defense, but I don’t really consider them competitive sports worth celebrating. That’s just me.

What I do love are sports like running races, high jump, long jump, pole vault, and other Olympic track and field events—sports that test the limits of the human body through discipline, not destruction.

The Race of the 100 Meters

I’m sure you’ve watched the 100 meters race during the Olympics. It’s one of the most anticipated moments. The adrenaline, the focus, the atmosphere—it’s electric. The speed of these athletes is mind-blowing. Covering 100 meters in under 10 seconds means they’re running at over 25 mph! That’s insane. You can’t drive that fast on urban streets in many asian countries.

But what strikes me even more is the years of preparation that go into those 10 seconds. Athletes discipline themselves every single day for months and years —strict diets, long training hours, consistent quality sleep, and a total commitment to avoiding distractions. No late-night parties. No fried chicken or cheeseburgers. No alcohol or distractions. They resist most worldly pleasures with deep commitment. Everything is geared toward one goal: to win.

All that sacrifice for a medal, some TV coverage, a few interviews, and a place in a record book. Then the world moves on. Their focus to finish the race for those 10 seconds of glory motivates them to discipline their bodies for years together.

Running to Win — With an Eternal Prize

Now think about this—we as believers are also in a race. But our race is far more significant. Paul challenges us to “run in such a way as to win.” Not to just run aimlessly. Not to just participate. But to run with purpose, discipline, and passion. Why? Because our reward is eternal, not perishable.

The good news? We’re not competing against each other. In God’s race, we all get the prize—if we run to win. That means living every day with intentionality, resisting daily temptations to sin, staying focused on Christ, and keeping our eyes on the eternal crown of life.

When you think of it, the amount of self discipline and determination required by us believers is nothing less when compared to those of Olympic athletes. They train for a couple of years for 10 seconds of glory. We train a whole life time for eternal glory.

The High Jump Analogy — Overcoming Our Sin Nature

I also enjoy watching high jumpers. Their precision, technique, and concentration are inspiring. They run up to the bar and launch themselves upward. Sometimes they clear it. Sometimes they don’t. But they keep trying. They get three attempts. If they fail, they are disqualified. They return disappointed and some give up, while some others train again to try for the next opportunity.

That bar reminded me of our struggle with sin. Sometimes, we fail to clear the bar. We fall. We stumble. But unlike in the Olympics, God gives us unlimited attempts. His grace is sufficient for us. His mercy never runs out. We can keep trying until we overcome—as long as we don’t quit. And God Himself keeps cheering us on, encouraging us to try again.

What If You’re Not the Fastest?

Have you thought about the Olympic athletes who never win medals? The ones who finish last? Does that make them any less of an athlete? Absolutely not! They still made it to the world stage. They endured the same grueling discipline and training. Their worth isn’t in their place on the podium—it’s in their dedication to the race.

As believers, it’s the same. You may not preach to thousands. You may not have the most Bible knowledge. You may struggle more than others. But you’re still a child of God. And as long as you’re running the race faithfully, you are running to win. Don’t compare your race to someone else’s. Just keep running.

Train for Godliness

We not only discipline ourselves to overcome sin, but we also need to train to be like Christ. That’s the goal—Christlikeness. Think of your prayer time, Bible reading, serving others, resisting temptation, forgiving quickly, and being generous—these are your spiritual workouts.

Just like in a gym, results come with consistency. Growth comes through pain. Strength is built through resistance. But over time, you’ll find yourself becoming more like Jesus—not by trying harder, but by surrendering deeper.

God Crowns Every Runner Who Runs to Win

God doesn’t only crown the fastest, the strongest, or the most gifted. He crowns those who are faithful, focused, and finish well. If you’re still running—despite failures, despite discouragements, despite distractions—you are already on your way to the prize.

1 Timothy 4:8 says:
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

So keep training. Keep running. Keep your eyes on Jesus. You’re not running for 10 seconds of fame. You’re running for eternity.