The preparation of the runner.

When entering a race, every contestant knows that if they are to seriously contend for the prize, they are going to have to prepare themselves both mentally and physically.

Every runner knows that their undivided attention must be given to the race at hand. When I was in high school, I became a member of the track team, so it is with some experience that I tell you that it is critically important for runners to keep their attention on the running of the race, the finish line to be crossed and on nothing else. In training we were told by the track coach three things we were never to do when running a race.

• 1. We weren't to look up at the spectators on the sidelines while we were running.

• 2. We weren't to look down at our feet as we ran.

• 3. We weren't to look back to see how close the runner was behind us.

If we did any of those things, we could break our stride causing us to lose valuable seconds trying to regain it, possibly casting us out of the race. An experienced runner will let nothing else grab their attention while running. Apostle Paul describes this mind set in Philippians 3:13-14, "I am focusing all my energies on this one thing, forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us up to heaven." (New Living Translation.)

As a runner in the Christian race, our mental attitude is extremely important. More than one believer has been affected in running their best by allowing divided interests take their attention off of priority #1 and that is to run to win. Galatians 5:7, "You did run well, who (what) did hinder you?"

Physically:
Those who would become runners must train and discipline their bodies to stand the rigors and demands of the race. This takes intense dedication and commitment on their part. In preparation of this teaching, I did a little word study on the word Paul used for "race" in Hebrews 12:1. In the Strongs Greek Dictionary of New Testament words, the word for race is agon (pronounced ag-one). This is derived from the Greek word agonia (pronounced ag-o-nee-ah) which means "a struggle of intense emotional strain and anguish." This is the word from which we get our English word agony which I'm sure is familiar to any one who has ever raced. They know the agonizing and physical strain a racer suffers in every race.

You can see from what I've just described, that the race the Christian is called uupon to run is not a "jog around the park." Neither is it a quick sprint nor a 100 yard dash. The race we are called upon to run is a long distance marathon that makes all other marathons shrink in comparison. It began when we were born again and won't end until we die or Jesus returns, whichever comes first.

In this race,  it is not speed that counts. Unlike other races, everyone who finishes this race receives the same prize, eternal life. We're not competing with each other so it's not how fast you can run that is important. What is important is that you have endurance, perseverance and lasting stamina. Can you "hang tough" to the end of the race?