Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize – 1 Corinthians 9:24 

He passed me in the park. We were both taking our early morning walk, trying to stay in shape. He was a little younger than me by my estimation. As he passed me, a competitive urge kicked in.

“I can’t be that slow,” I said to myself.

So I got in pace with him. However, the distance between us was increasing. We were like soldiers marching to a rhythm, but I found myself falling behind.

“He can’t blow me away like that! I am not that old.”

Determined not to be disgraced, I changed gears, moved out of rhythm, and increased my pace. That maintained the distance between us for a considerable time. I congratulated myself; but who was watching? Where did I know this man to be competing with him? But that’s the human spirit without Christ.

It is uncompromisingly competitive. It hates to be outdone and forces to keep in pace or outdo everybody. Without the Spirit of God, the human spirit is selfish and vicious in reaction. When it’s outshined, it fights back with vengeance like a wounded brute.

However, my legs taught me a lesson that day, as I began to slack. I knew that if I had to keep up the challenge, I had to draw on some inner strength my age couldn’t avail me with. I pushed hard, but my pace was slowing all the more. Then I came to my senses.

Though I could keep pace with the stranger alright, he had longer strides than I did; and that I couldn’t do anything about. He was naturally gifted with long legs and that was an advantage over me. I made up the distance with increased paces, but his other advantage gave him the edge. Age! Why I was forcing myself into something that was so unnecessary is the other side of the human story.

Our ego is so big and sensitive that we cannot allow any offense or challenge to it. We shout back and kick against any threat we perceive – real or imagined. It is the cause of all human strife and the carnage in the world. It never gives up; because it is the self we’re talking about. It must always be ahead or on top!

 I had gone to the park that day for my usual walk; so why did I get myself into what my body couldn’t bear? But God has a way of teaching us from every life experience, if only we’re tuned to Him. He highlights our weaknesses in those circumstances, and teaches us His ways in them – the way of righteousness to receive the victor’s crown (2 Tim. 4:7-8). I am so glad He taught me out of my foolishness that day.

Our race to heaven is not a sprint, but long distance. It is not competitive, but rather encouraging. It’s not about one person winning the gold and taking all the glory, but the same crown of righteousness for “all who have longed for His appearing” (8). It requires determination (Dan. 1:8), focus (Heb. 12:1-2), discipline (1 Cor. 9:24-25), and endurance (2 Tim.4:7). It is about different paces and strides, each person with their unique endowment, running with a thankful heart and a sincere motive to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ. That’s the Christian race for us.