The Race Where Everyone Can Win

In the Christian warfare, not one who complies with the conditions will be disappointed at the end of the race. The weakest saint, as well as the strongest, may wear the crown of immortal glory. The principles laid down in God's Word are too often looked upon as unimportant—too trivial to demand attention. But nothing is small that will help or hinder. And the reward given to those who win will be in proportion to the energy and earnestness with which they have striven.TT 166.2

The apostle compared himself to a man running in a race, straining every nerve to win. “I do not run aimlessly,” he says, “I do not box as one beating the air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” The words, “I pommel my body,” literally mean to beat back by severe discipline the desires, impulses, and passions.TT 166.3

Paul realized that his conversation, his influence, his refusal to yield to self-gratification, must show that his religion was not a profession merely, but a daily, living connection with God. One goal he ever strove earnestly to reach—“the righteousness from God that depends on faith.” Philippians 3:9, RSV.TT 166.4

Paul realized the need of putting a strict guard on himself, that earthly desires might not overcome spiritual zeal. He continued to strive against natural inclinations. His words, his practices, his passions—all were brought under the control of the Spirit of God.TT 166.5

Paul knew that the Corinthian believers had before them a life struggle from which there would be no release. He pleaded with them to lay aside every weight and press forward to the goal of perfection in Christ.TT 166.6

He reminded them of the miraculous way in which the Hebrews were led from Egypt—they were conducted through the Red Sea, while the Egyptians, trying to cross in like manner, were all drowned. Israel “ate the same supernatural food and all drank the same supernatural drink. For they drank from the supernatural Rock which followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” The Hebrews had Christ as leader. The smitten rock typified Him, wounded for men's transgressions that the stream of salvation might flow to all.TT 167.1

Yet, because of the Hebrews’ lust for the luxuries left behind in Egypt, and because of their rebellion, the judgments of God came on them. “Now these things are warnings,” the apostle declared, “for us, not to desire evil as they did.” Love of ease and pleasure had prepared the way for sins that called forth the vengeance of God. When the children of Israel sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play, they threw off the fear of God. Making a golden calf, they worshiped it. And it was after a luxurious feast connected with the worship of Baal-peor that many Hebrews fell through licentiousness. The anger of God was aroused, and 23,000 were slain by the plague in one day.TT 167.2

If the Corinthians should become boastful and self-confident, they would fall into grievous sin. Yet Paul gave them the assurance: “God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”TT 167.3

Paul urged his brethren to do nothing, however innocent, that would seem to sanction idolatry or offend those who might be weak in the faith. “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.”TT 167.4

The apostle's words are especially applicable to our day. By idolatry he meant not only the worship of idols, but self-serving, love of ease, the gratification of appetite and passion. A religion that sanctions self-indulgence is not the religion of Christ.TT 167.5

By a comparison of the church with the human body, the apostle illustrated the close relationship that should exist among all members of the church. “The body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body... . But as it is, God arranged the organs in the body, each one of them, as He chose... . God has so adjusted the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior part, that there may be no discord in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”TT 168.1