Our Race Against Time

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24–25, NKJV

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, NKJV)

Whether we realize it or not we are all in a race—a race against time. From an eternal perspective, it is a very short time.

“He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return.” (Psalm 78:39, NIV)

That is a very short time!

The problem is we have to figure out what life is all about in that period of time, and make provision for the life in eternity.

Whether we like it or not, we are all going to face eternity.

In KingdomNomics, we constantly remind ourselves that everything we can see and touch is in the process of perishing. The above passage is a reminder that we are in this race against time, and it is important to make sure we are running for the right goals and purposes. The world is running after perishing things, including wealth, status, position, power, and fame.

Paul emphasizes the point that Christians are running for an imperishable crown, making sure we are building our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ. This is why he said, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV)

Jesus Christ said, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” (John 6:27, ESV)

Even gold and silver, the ultimate measure of value from the world’s point of view, will perish.

“They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be treated as a thing unclean. Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath. It will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs, for it has caused them to stumble into sin.” (Ezekiel 7:19, NIV)

In KingdomNomics we remind ourselves, “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18–19, NIV)

These facts should have a direct impact on how we think, feel, and act in this world. After all, what we do in this world will echo into eternity.

Today, ask yourself:

To what extent are the biblical truths mentioned above impacting how I am spending my 3 Ts—time, talent, and treasure—in this world? Am I living for the perishable or the imperishable crown?