Even So Run
Athletic contests are frequently utilized by the Holy Spirit as figures under which different aspects and characteristics of the Christian life are presented. For example, the Spirit through Paul (I Cor. 9:24) calls attention to a feature of the foot race which was common knowledge—"know ye not." What is this commonplace feature of the race to which special attention is directed? "Know ye not that they that run in the race run all, but one receiveth the prize."
Only One Prize-Winner
What feature of the Christian race is this presenting? What is the significance of emphasizing that "one receiveth the prize?" There certainly is some significance to it, for it is this very aspect of the race which the apostle is particularly pointing out; that is the thing he is emphasizing. Surely he does not mean that in the Christian race only one will receive the prize; for the same writer elsewhere points out, "henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing." (II Tim. 4:8.) Here Paul expressly gives assurance that he hopes for the prize, but immediately 'hastens to reassure all who read that that prize is not limited to one only—"and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing."
The Holy Spirit is consistent in all his revelation. Hence, he does not teach in one place (II Tim. 4:8) that the prize is not to one only, and teach in another place (I Cor. 9:24) that the prize is to one only. Still, the fact remains that in I Cor. 9:24 the feature of the foot-race which is emphasized is that "one receiveth the prize." To what end is the apostle calling attention to the keen competitive aspect of the foot-race? The answer is found in the very next sentence:
"That Ye May Attain"
"Even so run that ye may attain." The manner of our running is the thing under consideration. Run as if only one would get the prize. Never be satisfied so long as anyone is exceeding you in humble service. This is the attitude that must be cultivated if we expect to win, —"that ye may attain."
Many failures occur at this point. Rather than "looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith," many look to one another and compare their achievements and standing with the achievements and standing of those who lag and drop behind. By such comparisons they reassure and justify themselves to themselves. Too many are bold to do what Paul was not bold to do—"For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding." Such a course will never lead to understanding of one's status before God; it is the course of foolishness. It is "without understanding."
"What Lack I Yet?"
Those whose striving to attain is approved striving refrain from trying to justify self on the demerits and failures of others. They will not be satisfied with merely exceeding the righteousness of those whose righteousness is slight. The runner who will attain is the one who looks ahead, considering Jesus the perfect example, and not behind at those who are stumbling along in the rear. No understanding can be gained by an aside glance or a backward look. All that can be gained by such is a delusion.
"What lack I yet?" should be the question before us. The shortcomings and failures of others furnish no substantial basis for our own personal justification. If we ferret out our own faults and correct them, measuring ourselves by God's perfect standard, running as if only one would receive the prize, we have God's assurance that we will attain. "Even so run that ye may attain."