[Run to Win] Top PerformanceSample

Rejoice in Running

Every sport has fundamentals, and every athlete must learn and master them to play the sport well. For instance, to be a good runner, it is not enough to be in the mood and or in top shape. You must also know the fundamentals of running to increase your fitness and performance and take care of your body. You cannot run a good race unless you know and constantly practice the basics that help you win.

The apostle Paul was commissioned to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to non-Jewish cities. His work gave birth to several churches, one of which was the church at Philippi. By the time he wrote a letter to the Christians there, he was in a Roman prison miles away. He couldn’t see how the church was doing, but he wanted to make sure they could go forward independently.

Paul envisioned the Christian life as a race, considering his work to start that church as part of his race. He desired to see the church in Philippi carrying the torch of the gospel so that he could rejoice in knowing that his work had contributed to this.

Caring about the church’s health as part of the race Paul was running as part of his God-given purpose to start and establish new churches. Paul wanted to be sure that this church continued to hold on to the fundamentals of the faith he had taught them, just as a coach wants to make sure that his players know and follow the fundamentals of a sport for continued success.

Do you know the fundamentals of your faith in Christ? Do you hold fast to the truths you were taught about who Christ is and what He has done for you? Are you aware of His unconditional love for you and what His death on the cross did for you? If you are, hold on to those truths because they are life. With them, you will run the race well into victory.

Lord, keep reminding me of the fundamentals of my faith and how important they are to run the good race of life. I want to rejoice in running a good race, so I ask You to help me hold on to them to the finish line!