The Race
Once, there were two boys, and they were the best of friends. Bobby and Tom were their names, and they were in the same class in school. It was coming near sports' day, and they were both competing in the same races. Tom had been the class champion last year, and he was very sure that he would be champion again this year, too. So sure was he that when Bobby suggested that they should have some practice, Tom replied, “You can if you like: you probably need to practice, but I'm quite fit.” Wasn't he sure of himself!
Well soon enough the great day of the sports arrived, and there was lined up for the start of the 100 meters flat race a line of excited boys, two of which were Bobby and Tom. “Get ready, get set – Go!” cried the starter, and off raced the boys. Tom got off to a good start. “Surely I'm going to win again,” he thought to himself as he raced on; but almost in that very same moment who should pass him but Bobby, who turned out to be the winner of the race.
How angry Tom was with Bobby, but mostly with himself. He realised that he had been too confident in his own ability and so, had not bothered to practice for the race so that he would be fit.
You know, boys and girls, in the Bible the Christian life is likened to a race with a prize at the end of it. That prize is everlasting life in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ. We too should prepare for the Christian race, and two of the most important things for the Christian life are these –
These two things especially will give us strength to run the Christian race, so that at the end we may “finish” our life with the Lord Jesus Christ. Read 1st Corinthians chapter 9 and verses 24-27, and “run well.”
1st Corinthians chapter 9 verses 24-27.
(24) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
(25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
(26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
(27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.