Running Life's Race

Pickle, hot box, or rundown? Depending on where you grew up, you might have called it something different. In North Mississippi, we called it hot box. The game left a runner stranded between two bases while fielders threw the ball back and forth, trying to tag him out. It was simple, fast, and fun—but when four competitive siblings were involved, it quickly turned into a battle of wills.

As the youngest of four, I learned early that competition was woven into nearly everything we did. That drive to win didn’t stay on the ballfield—it carried over into school, work, and life itself. And truth be told, most of us feel it too. Whether it’s vying for the title of “Mom’s Favorite,” pushing a football across the goal line, or striving to excel at our jobs, we all have a competitive spirit that urges us forward.

The apostle Paul often used the imagery of competition to describe the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 9:24–25 he wrote: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

Athletes endure grueling practices, strict diets, and constant training for a prize that will eventually fade. But as Christians, we are running toward something far greater—an eternal crown in the presence of God. That means our daily choices, habits, and priorities should reflect the same focus and discipline an athlete brings to the field.

Paul put it another way in Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” The Christian race isn’t about beating others to the finish line—it’s about finishing faithfully, keeping our eyes on Christ, and refusing to give up when the path gets hard.

So, as this fall season fills with games, goals, and competition, let’s cheer for our teams, strive for excellence in our work, and enjoy the contests of life. But above all, let us never forget the ultimate prize. When the race is over, the only victory that matters is hearing our Lord say: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Run your race with endurance. Run it with joy. Run it with Christ.

-Ben Vansandt

#MaysvilleMessenger