Kingdom Living: “Run This Way”, by Julius Sims
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NASB)
“Living a Certain Way.” As the initial journey encompassing the life and times of Jesus’ ministry and His speaking tour had begun to take shape among humanity, there was a plethora of “thinking things” that He articulated to the multitude of critics, enthusiasts, sinners, potential students, truth-seekers, religious pundits, and wanderers. It is safe to say that there exists the human propensity to chase after: life without limits, liberty with minimal constraints, and the pursuit of personal happiness at the cost of others. However, in contrast, a life in Christ {Gal. 2:20} would alternatively propose and prepare a living in a “certain determined” way that would compel a believer to spiritually arrive into wonderful transformational dimensions of life, purpose, and divine happiness.
This “certain determined” way of living previously approved and orchestrated in heaven, would be required and expected by any and all redeemed followers of the Messiah. In an effort to paint a mental picture of this certain determined way of living, Jesus declared that it would be somewhat like entering a narrow gate or door and continuing along a narrow/restricted path throughout the course of this life.
Entrance into this narrow gate would not require an external weight lost program involving a reduced set of behavior modifications while learning church jargon and submit to a specific dress code. But engaging in such an entrance will involve a forsaking or dismantling of one’s old identity (i.e., that old heart) and begin wearing the clothing/garments of the “New Man” with honor. Obviously, unbeknownst to His courious listeners and wide-eyed audiences, Jesus Himself would be that Gate or Door and His teachings would be the road or path taken. (Matt. 7:13, 14).
Such a narrow/restricted entrance and divine path taken for Kingdom living would demand Messiah followers to experience a needed variety of interior (mental/soul) and exterior (behavioral/attitude) renovations, while producing glorious transformations. However, having previously lived the old life of independency from God (i.e., tree of the knowledge of good and evil) and going after personal ambitions regarding life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. A self-centered person may imagine entering such a spiritual adventure and traveling along the path of this kind would be difficult, unpleasant, and unwelcoming. But, a heavenly narrow door of this magnitude will be the beginning of a refreshing and major spiritual transformation for this kind of Kingdom life. Additionally, this colorful and fascinating adventure would be rewarding, satisfying, fulfilling, and purposeful.
“Get Dressed and Run This Way.” According to Paul’s appeal to the Corinthian believers, there’s a “course in this life” given to all that has been set before us to live out…..AND, for the Christ-believing people; Paul called this course in this life, a “race”. For believers in Christ, it would be such a race (course in this life) with the anticipation of receiving an imperishable or incorruptible reward, in addition to salvation.
Verses 24-25 of First Corinthians 9 imply 2 conditions believers should consider for this course of life. First, we are encouraged to “run in such a way” (or run this way) for an outward expression; second, there is a certain mentality to operate with while we are running for an inward expression. This certain mentality that Paul references in these passages imply: applying self-discipline; living with self restrictions; or putting ourselves under self-control. Therefore, in addition to running with discipline while in this course of life, we are also expected to run a certain way that speaks of adhering to spiritual objectives.
Becoming well clothed, dressed, or equipped before the Father and running this race with honor and devotedness in the sight of others, I would like to suggest 3 valuable practices to be considered.
- Be lead with revelation (i.e., what is God speaking/showing/sharing for you)
Galatians 2:2 (AMP)
“I went because it was specially and divinely revealed to me that I should go, and I put before them the Gospel [declaring to them that] which I preach among the Gentiles…”
Exodus 18:20 (NLT2)
“Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives.”
Psalm 119:32 (MSG)
“I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how”.
- Obey the Truth (not what you feel, not what seems fair, or not what I always think)
Galatians 5:7 (NLT2)
“You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?”
Isaiah 1:19 (MSG)
“If you’ll willingly obey, you’ll feast like kings.”
Deuteronomy 13:4 (NLT2)
“Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.”
- Keep your faith alive & active
2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT2)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”
Conclusion
“Staying Occupied with the Father’s Desire & His Purpose will Find You” (1Sam.16). Oftentimes, when a person’s godly lifestyle is being continually formed and fashioned by the exposure of biblical revelations, unwavering faithfulness, and an enriching prayer life, that person will eventually meet God’s divine purpose for their lives. Running directly “into your divine purpose” while navigating through this course of life (“the race”) with Christ as your life, has been the formula orchestrated by God.
History notes that a little young ruddy boy named David was providing his dedication and shepherding skills to some precious livestock belonging to his father Jesse. In the right time of God’s timetable, David would eventually experience a head-on collision with God’s divine purpose for his life. David’s devotion to his father’s heart (the sheep), lead him to the path of his purpose. While being devoted to his father’s property, David would eventually run into God’s divine purpose for his life.
Jesse’s intent (purpose) for his livestock was captured by the heart of his young son David, who took a sincere regard for his father’s desire/will. As David found purpose and passion shepherding the property that belonged to his natural daddy, the divine purpose of the heavenly Father would eventually find David and place a divine call of leadership, author, and psalmist in his path. Before David had any knowledge of his future with God, he was created to be a king before he committed his energy to be a shepherd. It was David’s dedicated services in shepherding that would give way for him to be king.
Divine purpose can find you if you are occupied with the mind and will of the heavenly Father.
Julius Sims serves as founder & senior pastor of the Word of Life Christian Church, located in north St. Louis city. His wife Cathy serves in church leadership and specializes in the Ministry of dance & well developed Bible teacher. They are ministry son and daughter of Dr. Mark Hanby.
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