What does it mean to give one's self to something--to dedicate every waking moment to the pursuit of a goal? Paul refers to the Christian life as a race that we are to pursue with diligence, persevering day in and day out.
The following is a clip from a movie, Running the Sahara, about three men who ran across the northern section of Africa--some 4620 miles.
It is a compelling reflection of the struggles, pain, and awesome experiences the three men, and their crew and families, met over the course of their 111 day run. The film also serves as a powerful metaphor for running the good race of a life in Christ, directed by His spirit, empowered by His grace.
I will run in the way of thy commandments when thou enlargest my understanding! Psalm 119
... but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40
Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. I Corinthians Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air; I Corinthians 9
... holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12
