There's something about running that teaches you more than just endurance. I have not ran a full marathon, but I've done a couple of 10Ks, and I'm currently training for a 21K, what they call a half marathon. And one thing I've learned: discipline isn't optional. You don't just show up on race day and hope for the best. You train, you plan, and you push through when it gets uncomfortable.

The Race We're Called to Run

That's exactly the mindset Paul points to in 1 Corinthians 9:24:

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." (KJV)

In other words, everyone runs the race, but only one takes the prize. Paul isn't saying only one Christian will receive eternal life. His point is about how we run. Don't just run to say you ran. Run to win. Live with Purpose. Aim for the goal.

Running with Intention

Truth is, many Christians today are just tagging along in this spiritual journey. They're in the race, but they're not running with intention. They're participating, but not pressing forward with purpose.

Think about a race like the Comrades Marathon. Everyone enters hoping to finish, but many are chasing more, whether it's a personal best, a medal, or simply proving something to themselves. But none of that happens without preparation. No one wins a marathon by accident.

Athletic Discipline and the Christian Life

Paul draws a parallel between that kind of athletic discipline and the Christian life. Athletes push themselves for something temporary, a medal, a title, a few moments of recognition. But we're after something eternal. So if the reward we're pursuing is greater, our commitment should reflect that.

He says he's not running aimlessly or fighting like a boxer swinging at the air. He lives with purpose, and it shapes how he moves through life. He knows what he's after, and his daily choices reflect that pursuit.

The Sober Reminder

And then Paul ends with a sober reminder in verse 27:

"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (KJV)

Even Paul—who preached, planted churches, and endured so much for the gospel, understood the risk of losing focus. So he disciplines his body and keeps himself in check. He's not just warning others to stay on course, he's holding himself accountable too.

Run to Obtain

So here's my encouragement to you—especially when it comes to the Think and Do principle: don't just run to be counted. Run to obtain the prize. Know what you're chasing, and live like it matters because it does.

Remember: Discipline isn't optional. Train, plan, and push through when it gets uncomfortable. Run with purpose, not just to participate.