Called to Reach a Higher Standard.
In the hope of impressing vividly upon the minds of the Corinthian believers the importance of firm self-control, strict temperance, and unflagging zeal in the service of Christ, Paul in his letter to them made a striking comparison between the Christian warfare and the celebrated foot races held at stated intervals near Corinth.Of all the games instituted among the Greeks and the Romans, the foot races were the most ancient and the most highly esteemed.They were witnessed by kings, nobles, and statesmen.Young men of rank and wealth took part in them and shrank from no effort or discipline necessary to obtain the prize.
The contests were governed by strict regulations, from which there was no appeal.Those who desired their names entered as competitors for the prize had first to undergo a severe preparatory training.Harmful indulgence of appetite, or any other gratification that would lower mental or physical vigor, was strictly forbidden.For one to have any hope of success in these trials of strength and speed, the muscles must be strong and supple, and the nerves well under control.Every movement must be certain, every step swift and unswerving; the physical powers must reach the highest mark.
As the contestants in the race made their appearance before the waiting multitude, their names were heralded, and the rules of the race were distinctly stated.Then they all started together, the fixed attention of the spectators inspiring them with a determination to win.The judges were seated near the goal, that they might watch the race from its beginning to its close and give the prize to the true victor.If a man reached the goal first by taking an unlawful advantage, he was not awarded the prize.
In these contests great risks were run.Some never recovered from the terrible physical strain.It was not unusual for men to fall on the course, bleeding at the mouth and nose, and sometimes a contestant would drop dead when about to seize the prize.But the possibility of lifelong injury or of death was not looked upon as too great a risk to run for the sake of the honor awarded the successful contestant.
As the winner reached the goal, the applause of the vast multitude of onlookers rent the air and awoke the echoes of the surrounding hills and mountains.In full view of the spectators, the judge presented him with the emblems of victory--a laurel crown and a palm branch to carry in his right hand.His praise was sung throughout the land; his parents received their share of honor; and even the city in which he lived was held in high esteem for having produced so great an athlete.
In referring to these races as a figure of the Christian warfare, Paul emphasized the preparation necessary to the success of the contestants in the race--the preliminary discipline, the abstemious diet, the necessity for temperance."Every man that striveth for the mastery," he declared, "is temperate in all things." The runners put aside every indulgence that would tend to weaken the physical powers, and by severe and continuous discipline trained their muscles to strength and endurance, that when the day of the contest should arrive, they might put the heaviest tax upon their powers.
How much more important that the Christian, whose eternal interests are at stake, bring appetite and passion under subjection to reason and the will of God! Never must he allow his attention to be diverted by amusements, luxuries, or 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.
And after this has been done, the Christian must put forth the utmost exertion in order to gain the victory.In the Corinthian games the last few strides of the contestants in the race were made with agonizing effort to keep up undiminished speed.So the Christian, as he nears the goal, will press onward with even more zeal and determination than at the first of his course.
Paul presents the contrast between the chaplet of fading laurel received by the victor in the foot races, and the crown of immortal glory that will be given to him who runs with triumph the Christian race."They do it," he declares, "to obtain a corruptible crown;but we an incorruptible." To win a perishable prize, the Grecian runners spared themselves no toil or discipline.We are striving for a prize infinitely more valuable, even the crown of everlasting life.How much more careful should be our striving, how much more willing our sacrifice and self-denial!
In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out the single-hearted purpose that should characterize the Christian's race for eternal life: "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." Hebrews 12:1, 2.Envy, malice, evil thinking, evilspeaking, covetousness--these are weights that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the race for immortality.Every habit or practice that leads into sin and brings dishonor upon Christ must be put away, whatever the sacrifice.The blessing of heaven cannot attend any man in violating the eternal principles of right.One sin cherished is sufficient to work degradation of character and to mislead others.
"If thy hand cause thee to stumble," the Saviour said, "Cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire.And if thy foot cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life halt, rather than having thy two feet to be cast into hell." Mark 9:43-45, R.V.If to save the body from death, the foot or the hand should be cut off, or even the eye plucked out, how much more earnest should the Christian be to put away sin, which brings death to the soul!
