Running the race

Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. -- I Corinthians 9:24

St. Paul talks about the Christian life as a race, but by saying that "only one wins the prize," he makes it sound like we're each running on our own. Although that is true to an extent, there's another very real way in which the race is a relay. In fact, you could look at salvation history as a whole, long sequence of one runner or generation passing the baton to the next.

There are several key points in a relay race, especially if the relay is a marathon.

• The first runner who has been running a long time may be nearing the point of exhaustion, yet can't yet see the person to whom the baton will go next. When that happens, it's important for the first runner to persevere when the temptation comes to give up.
  
  
• There is a point in the race when runners can see each other, but the second runner can't just wait for the first runner to arrive and then start. The two runners will be on the course at the same time, with the second runner picking up speed. The goal is for both runners to be running at full speed, stride for stride, at the time of the handoff.
  
  
• Most important is the timing of the handoff itself. If the first runner lets go too soon or hangs on too long, the baton can be dropped and the race in danger of being lost.

Lord Jesus, help us to run so as to win. Whether we are preparing to receive the baton or pass it on, help us to learn from our brothers and sisters of the past who have followed the exhortation of St. Paul to run so as to win. Amen.