READ: ! Corinthians 9:19-27
"Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law(though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law(though I am not free from the God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save them..."
"Spiridon Louis isn't well known around the world, but he is in Greece. That's because of what happened in 1896 when the Olympic Games were revived in Athens.
During the competition that year, the Greeks did quite well-winning the most medals of any nation. But the event that became a source of true Greek pride was the first- ever marathon. Seventeen athletes competed in this race of 40 kilometers(24.8 miles), but it was won by Louis-a common laborer. For his efforts, Louis was honored by the king and country, and he became a national hero.
The apostle Paul used running a race as a picture of the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, he challenged us not just to run but to run to win, saying, "Do you not know those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it." Not only did Paul teach this but he lived it out. In his final epistle, he said," I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7). Having finished his race, Paul joyfully anticpated receiving the victory crown from the King of heaven.
Like Paul, run your earthly race to win- and to please your King.Bill Crowder
