“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle. When the sun comes up, you better start running.” In this metaphor, young people are reduced to the level of subhuman beings – animals. Is life really a purposeless race for survival?
1) Life is like a race: Christian life is a race. An athlete has to concentrate, spend all their energy, and put in all efforts to compete in the race. Distraction and double mindedness are dangerous.
2) Throw off weights: An athlete must be physically fit, reduce fat; and wear a uniform to run well and win. All hindrances should be thrown off and entangling sins shunned in this race. (Hebrews 12:1)
3) Allotted track: Each athlete is allotted a track to run. If an athlete changes the track, s/he is disqualified. Lord Jesus Christ has provided a custom-designed cross to carry as we follow the Lord. (Luke 9:23)
4) Run with a purpose: For some athletes, it could be personal satisfaction or to become famous in the world or bring glory and honour to their nation. Our purpose is to bring glory to God.
5) Run to win: Paul writes that we should run to obtain the prize. (I Corinthians 9:24)
6) Athlete or spectator? An athlete cannot enter the arena at any time, but a spectator can. When an athlete is in action, he must follow the dress code, but a spectator could wear any dress. An athlete cannot eat whenever and whatever s/he likes; but a spectator could any food at any time. Preparation and rigorous training are essential for an athlete, not for a spectator.
7) Sprint or Marathon? Christian life is not a sprint race. We should run this marathon race slowly, steadily, focused, and without giving-up.
Do I run my race with a purpose and right focus?