1 Corinthians 9:26, New International Version

“Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.”

What is the Apostle Paul talking about when he says, “I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air”? (1 Corinthians 9:26, NIV) This is the statement he made: A good player is not built by the equipment or materials, but in practice. And this is reflected in the next statement he makes as well, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should…” (V9:27, NLT)

A runner, whether they are running for a middle school track team or training for the Olympics, knows the reason they win the race is never about a tailor-made shoe but because of real and consistent practice. No matter what kind of sport, if they view themselves as an athlete, they will discipline their bodies to reach their best. This is the same way Paul views himself – as a disciple of Jesus Christ – who has been sent to preach His Good News and he desire to make his best effort!

He also mentioned he does not run aimlessly. He carried the vision that the Lord gave him, and in all circumstances, he kept himself on the path without losing sight or being distracted. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Just as the Word of God instructed us, “Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law.” (Proverbs 29:18, BSB)

In addition, he did not keep himself focused only on the vision that is ahead of him, but to also let go of the past that was behind him. In his own words, “Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So, I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above.” (Philippians 3:13-14, GNT)

Paul was running a life-long race toward an everlasting prize. Do you know you have been called to run the same race? We are all called to go and bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth and the end of the age. (Mark 16:15, Matthew 24:14) If he sold out completely for Christ and sought to win the prize, (1 Corinthians 9:27) how much do we need to pay attention and count the cost for that prize? Let me leave you with this, his conclusion for us:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV)