The Race is On
It is possible that upon reading the title of the article, you might recall the song of this title. It matters not what genre of music appeals to you, because the song has been covered by a variety of bands over the years. Surprisingly, this song made popular by George Jones back in 1964, was also covered by the Grateful Dead, and later, the “Chipmunks” (Alvin, Simon, and Theodore), among others. The idea in the song is that of a thoroughbred race used as a metaphor for the singer’s issues in his romantic relationships. In case you’ve never heard of the song, I’ve inserted some of the lyrics here.
I feel tears wellin' up cold, deep inside
Like my heart's sprung a big break
And a stab of loneliness, sharp and painful
That I may never shake
You might say that I was taking it hard
Since you wrote me off with a call
But don't you wager that I'll hide in sorrow
When I may lay right down and bawl
Now the race is on
And here comes pride in the backstretch
Heartache's goin' to the inside
My tears are holdin' back
They're tryin' not to fall
My heart's out of the runnin'
True love's scratched for another's sake
The race is on and it looks like heartache
And the winner loses all
While this song and the idea to use a horse race to describe heartbreak and pain is cute and ‘playful’, there is a serious race in which all Christians are involved. It is one that has ‘eternal’ consequences. We cannot afford to be ‘cute’ or ‘playful’ as we run this race. We only have one chance to run, which is the entirety of our lives once we become accountable souls. The pain and the heartbreak that ensues if we lose this race is one that lasts forever.
The Bible speaks of a “race” on several occasions. The 1st of these is found in Psa. 19:5 where race is used to describe the ‘bridegroom’, who rejoices as a strong man to run a race. The strong man here, is happy and excited as he knows by his strength, he is likely to win the race. The bridegroom, having just received his bride, has already won. The 2nd, found in Eccl. 9:11, is about life in general, as is all of the book. Here it points out that no matter how hard we strive in life, everyone’s time on earth ends the same. “but time and chance happeneth to them all.” Regardless of our successes or failures, we all have an appointment with death. Both of these passages deal with life on this earth, and while written directly to God’s O.T. people, Israel, application can be made by all.
The final two occurrences of ‘race’ are found in the N.T., therefore they are given in context of “Christian living”, or how one is to live as a Christian. One is 1Cor. 9:24 and is introduced by the Spirit by having Paul announce the things he did was for the sake of the gospel that he, and the ones to whom he wrote could be partakers together. The idea is that all must run to be ‘in the race’. In other words, if you are not “in Christ”, you’re not even in the race and the ‘prize’ cannot be yours. He points out “one receiveth the prize”, and this is only true in earthly contests or races. The “winner” receives the crown or trophy. However, as is pointed out in 1Cor 9:25, those in earthly contests do so for a “corruptible crown” (one that is not lasting). Those who begin the race for their soul do so only when they obey the gospel. In order to win the “prize” (eternal life – the incorruptible crown), one MUST: 1) Get in the race (obey the gospel). 2) Stay in the race. 3) Follow the rules as are set forth in the N.T. Law of God till their race is fully run - (when they die). All who fully follow these inspired instructions are ‘winners who win it all’!
The final occurrence of ‘race’ in the Bible is located in Heb 12:1, which contains two admonitions. 1) “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us” & 2) “run with patience the race that is set before us”. We cannot run the race while encumbered with the ‘excess baggage’ of sin of which we will not repent, or persist in participating in. We also cannot ‘speed up’ God’s plan. Heaven is not available until God has determined it will be. Be patient. When time is no more, the ‘prize’ will be awarded to those who have been successful in this race.
Interestingly, the word ‘prize’ is only found twice in all God’s Word. We saw it above in 1Cor. 9:24, and it also occurs in Phil. 3:14. In the two verses prior, the Holy Spirit has Paul write to inform all Christians they have yet to win. The ‘race’ is not over. Paul had not yet ‘attained’, and neither have we. Neither can we afford to “look over our shoulders”, or rest on the times when we were obviously ahead in the race. Ever tried to run while looking behind you? It’s not very safe. In fact, it’s foolish. The race is now and ahead, not backward. Like Paul, we should “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” The Race Is On! Win it!
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
