Racing the Race

1 Corinthians 9: 19: "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more."

1 Corinthians 9: 24-27: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified."

To me, these passages seem to show that Paul was a dedicated and passionate man. He would go through so much to preach the gospel. He was free from all men, but he made himself a slave to all. He was so willing--he had such a love for the Word. He was running the race. He didn't quit. For He knew that the prize was worth it all. He knew God would not quit on him.

I think we can learn something from this. We should learn to be that willing to preach the Word. To have such a love for the Word. To not give up. To keep running.