“Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
The day after Christmas always carries a quiet shift. The anticipation of Christ’s birth has passed, and yet the hope He brings rises—strong, steady, and ready to carry us into a brand-new year.
Yesterday we celebrated the Savior who came.
Today, we consider how we will run our race because…Jesus ran the perfect race.
In an astonishing story shared by Canadian Trail Running, two women—Ireland’s Caitriona Jennings and Anne Flower of the U.S.—shattered world records at the Tunnel Hill 100 and 50-mile races. Jennings, age 45, ran her first 100-mile race in just 12:37:04, breaking the world record and finishing with astonishing consistency. Flower ran the 50 miles in 5:18:57, maintaining a steady, fiery pace from start to finish. Both women succeeded not merely because of talent, but because of discipline, control, steadiness, and unwavering focus. Their race plans demanded it. Their records proved it.
And this kind of discipline is what Paul had in mind when he wrote to the Corinthians.
Paul was not interested in participation trophies—he was running to win. He refused to waste his efforts “beating the air.” Instead, he trained his life with purpose. He was disciplined, focused, consistent, and obedient to God’s Word and will.
He told us exactly what he was competing for!
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Ah, my friend, are you in the race??? Christ has given us the ability to earn eternal gifts and imperishable crowns.
The “therefore” in verse 26 tells us that Paul’s disciplined life flows directly from this truth—the rewards we run for are eternal and are worth every sacrifice. Christ thought we were worth the ultimate sacrifice. Do we run like He is worth it?
The fruit of our life is proof of our self-sacrifice.
The successful athlete silences distractions, trims the excess, and embraces strict training.
So must we.
We must train in the Word, cast off spiritual laziness, and treat every day as an opportunity to capture the ultimate prizes Christ has promised.
As the New Year approaches…examine your training regimen.
Are you running half-heartedly? Or are you running to win?
Now is the time to tighten your stride, refocus your aim, and recommit to a life of Spirit-led consistency, purpose, and courage.
Christ has already run before you. Christ strengthens you. And Christ will sustain every step you take into the New Year.
Reflection Question:
What is one spiritual “training habit” that I need to strengthen as I prepare to run faithfully into the new year?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us—on this quiet day after Christmas—that the race before us requires purpose, discipline, and a heart fully yielded to You. Strengthen us to run with focus and courage. Keep us from drifting, keep us from spiritual laziness, and keep us grounded in Your Word. Help us fight not as those wasting our efforts, but as believers pursuing the imperishable crown that awaits all who finish well. Anchor us in Your faithfulness as we step into the New Year. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
