God calls people to come into the stadium, not to sit in the audience, but to participate in the race. Yes, there is an audience, a cloud of witnesses. (Hebrews 12:1) God has planned a specific track for each one of us.
1) Sprint: This is a short-distance race. The gospel demands that people run away or flee from the imminent wrath and sorrow of following other gods. (Matthew 3:7; Psalm 16:4) The angel commanded Lot and his family to run for their lives. (Genesis 19:17) All are called to take refuge in the Name of the Lord. (Proverbs 18:10) Disciples should run away from temptation, idolatry, and especially sexual immorality. (Colossians 6:8; I Corinthians 10:14) Joseph ran away from the presence and seduction of Potiphar’s wife. (Genesis 39:12)
2) Hurdle race: This race has regular obstacles at equal distances. A runner knows the obstacle in advance and can anticipate his/her rhythm. Satan digs pits of temptation and landmines in the path, expecting believers to fall into despair, doubt, or defeat. Other hindrances could be a lack of faith, false doctrines, worry, fear, and distractions.
3) Marathon: This race is a long-distance race. Patient, steady, and focused runners win the race. Paul was focused on his race. (Philippians 3:14) In the Proverbial tortoise and rabbit race, the tortoise wins. The rabbits had all the skills, potential, and stamina to win the race. But it was haughty and negligent. The stamina and strength for the race are promised for those who wait on the Lord. (Isaiah 40:31)
4) Relay Race: The believers have to complete the race by handing over the baton to others. The ‘baton’ is the gospel and most holy faith given to the church. (Jude 1:20) Parents give their children, all believers give to other disciples, by making more disciples, leaders pass on to other emerging leaders, not necessarily their own children.
5) Run in vain? Paul writes that he does not want to be disqualified by a lack of discipline and run with endurance and in a manner to win. (I Corinthians 9:24-27)
Am I running consistently towards the goal?