Run to Get the Prize

LBB Blog Post

Church in the City | Chapter 9

Run to Get the Prize

06 October 2024

Around New Life, we’ve long said that we’re “in the city for the sake of the city,” and as things become crazier in our world, I’ve never believed that phrase more acutely. We’re not here to serve ourselves. We’re here to serve those who don’t know God, those who thirst for a cup of cool water in what feels increasingly like dry, parched land.

It really is true: while our gatherings on Sunday mornings are vital to our collective health as a body, the strength of not only our local congregation but the global Church at large is felt only when we engage with our community, when we operate outside our four walls.

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul uses the metaphor of a race to describe the Christian life. He speaks to the people of Corinth, a city known for its athletes and the Isthmian Games. Paul’s message is clear: all believers must actively engage in their faith, just as all runners run in a race.

Two major obstacles often keep people from engaging in their faith: the fear of failure and the fear of criticism. Pastor Brady shared a personal story about his life-saving heart surgery as a baby, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and being willing to fail. Just as the surgeon took a risk to save his life, we must be willing to step out in faith, even if it means facing failure or criticism.

Paul emphasizes the need for strict training, likening it to the preparation athletes undergo for competition. For Christians, this means daily disciplines such as reading the Bible, praying, and engaging in fellowship. These practices prepare us for the moments when God calls us to act.

Paul speaks of running for a prize that will last forever. This prize is not just about eternal life but also about knowing Christ and being known by him. It’s about living a life of integrity, loving our families, and nurturing relationships—all true rewards of a life well-lived in faith.

So, let me issue a challenge to you and me both: let’s evaluate with fresh energy what we are running after. Are we pursuing things that truly matter? Are our goals aligned with God’s purpose for our lives? It’s crucial to ensure that our ambitions are not about worldly success but about eternal significance.

This week, take time to reflect on your life and your faith journey. Ask yourself:

1. Am I actively engaged in my faith, or am I on the sidelines?

2. What fears are holding me back from fully participating in the race God has set before me?

3. What daily disciplines can I incorporate to strengthen my spiritual life? When will I start?

Then, I invite you to commit to one act of service outside the church walls this week. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply being a friend to someone in need, take a step to actively engage in your faith. Remember, the race is not just about the finish line but about the journey and the impact we make along the way.

Stand up, New Life. Step out and start running the race God has set before you. Your life matters, and your faith can make a profound impact.

I love being your pastor—

Pastor Brady