Missed previous emails in the series? You can read all the emails we sent online by clicking here.

Shoe Dog

Shoe Dog.

That is the name of the autobiography of Phil Knight – the founder of Nike, and it is the current source of my entertainment in my free time. As a runner myself, I find it fascinating to hear the story of how Nike was started – his obsession with running, shoes, and helping runners compete at their best.

And it got me thinking of a verse in the Bible that talks about running. In 1 Corinthians 9:24 we read:

Now apart from this being great advice for the next time you enter a footrace, this verse talks about something greater. 

Christian Life is a Race

Paul draws the parallel between the Christian life and a race.

And he does not tell you to take it easy, to just manage your pace and ensure you can get across the finish line. No, he tells you to run to win. And what does this mean for Paul? It means training like you want to win. In the next verse he says:

I like to talk about how being a “practicing Christian” means you got to “practice being a Christian” and Paul here is discussing the same point. But he emphasizes the prize. We don’t talk about winning a prize a lot as Christians – perhaps it's seen as selfish to talk about what we will receive in heaven.

 But Paul does talk about it.

He tells you that training for the Christian life is of infinitely more value than training for a running race – because the prize you win is not just a medal or wreath – but an imperishable one – life with Jesus.

Don’t be disqualified

Paul ends this section with a quote that is a bit chilling. A warning.

He calls us to be self-disciplined, to practice the faith of Jesus, and hold fast to the faith – lest we run the race in vain – and find ourselves unworthy of the calling.

So my encouragement for you this week is to be diligent, be intentional, be thoughtful.

Run the race of the Christian life well. 

That you may win the prize.

Until next week.

Be Blessed,

Aaron

Theophilus Newsletter