Paul to the Corinthians
115
striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to
obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
To run the Christian course in triumph, it is as necessary for us to
exercise fortitude, patience, and self-denial, as it was for the contes-
tants in the games and races of the Greeks and Romans. Like them the
Christian must not allow his attention to be attracted by the spectators,
nor diverted by amusements, luxuries, or love of ease. All his habits
and passions must be brought under the strictest discipline. Reason,
enlightened by the teachings of God’s word, and guided by his Spirit,
must hold the reins of control. Every hindrance must be laid aside;
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no weight must impede his course. And after this has been done, the
utmost exertion is required in order to gain the victory.
“Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incor-
ruptible.” The chaplet of fading laurel is presented before us in the
strongest contrast with the enduring honor and the crown of immortal
glory which he will receive who runs with triumph the Christian race,
and becomes a victor in the spiritual warfare. There must be no flag-
ging of zeal, no wavering steps, or the effort will be lost. The last few
strides of the contestants in the race were always made with agonizing
effort to keep up undiminished speed. So the Christian, as he nears the
goal, must press on with even more zeal and determination than at the
first part of his course.
Paul carries the illustration back to the preparation necessary to the
success of the contestants in the race,—to the preliminary discipline,
the careful and abstemious diet, the temperance in all things. These
were unflinchingly practiced in order to win the small recompense of
earthly honor. How much more important that the Christian, whose
eternal interest is at stake, be trained to put appetite and passion under
subjection to reason and the will of God. If men will voluntarily submit
to hardships, privations, and self-denial to secure the perishable reward
of worldly distinction, how much more should the Christian be willing
to do and to suffer for the sake of obtaining the crown of glory that
fadeth not away, and the life which runs parallel with the life of God.
The competitors in the ancient games, after they had submitted to
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self-denial and rigid discipline, were not even then sure of the victory.
The prize could be awarded to but one. Some might put forth the
utmost effort to obtain this crowning honor, but, as they reached forth
the hand to secure it, another, an instant before them, might grasp the