Life is a Race

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14 

If you have read much of Paul’s writings, you will find that Paul viewed life as a race. There are multiple passages throughout Scripture where Paul uses the analogy of a race. We all know Philippians 4:13, but do you know Philippians 3:14? 

In this verse, Paul says… “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” 

He viewed life, all of its challenges, and living with the end goal in mind, as a race. Similar to a race, we must start somewhere (where our feet are), we must overcome the hurdles (challenges), and we must remember what we are running it for (the end goal).  

Many people wonder what the purpose of life is. Why am I here? What is my purpose? What should I be doing with my life?  

Thinking of life as a race brings a lot of clarity to your purpose. You still must figure out what that purpose is, and what God is calling you to do. But once you have, you can chase that purpose through the structure of a race. 

Paul says in 2 Timothy 4, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” His purpose was to share His faith, and He did so by running the race of life.  

Do you see your life as a race? Or are you mindlessly going through the motions, here one day and gone tomorrow? Many people go their whole life without any direction or drive. But that is not how God intended us to live our lives. 

He wants us to find our purpose. We do that by learning His will for us. Once we know His will, it is time to run the race. Are you running your race? Do you even see your life as a race? If not, it might be time to change your perspective. We only have so much time on this earth. None of us are promised even tomorrow. 

Are you running your race to the best of your ability or are you going through the motions? As Paul said, let us “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God!” 

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bible verse

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

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