The prize
1 Cor. 9:25-26
1 Corinthians 9:25-26 says, Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” Here, the prize is a “wreath,” a ring made of flowers, twigs and leaves usually worn on the head. Today, a wreath has become a part of decorations around the house.
In the Greco-Roman world, such a wreath (made mostly with laurel leaves) was worn by high officials, emperors, kings and achievers. It began from the Greek myth that tells the story of Apollo who fell in love with Daphne the nymph. As she ran away, she sought the help of the god of rivers who turned her into a laurel leaf. Apollo wore the laurel leaves to remember her. Though just a myth, the practice of awarding wreaths to deserving individuals continued even during the Roman period. It was worn mostly by victors, the strongest, and great men.
At the first Olympic games in 776 BC, winners of the games were awarded with Olive wreaths. Later, Laurel wreaths came to be given.
During the Roman times, they continued the use of wreaths and such laurel wreaths came to be worn by military generals, kings and emperors. Julius Caesar was said to pronounce that he alone could wear it. He then made a wreath of gold.
After him, the practise of wearing wreath continued and wreaths were awarded to those who excelled in their own fields. The New Testament period also saw the continuation of this practice. In Italy, university students who graduated are still given wreaths to wear.
Because of this, Paul was talking about wreaths in his first letter to the Corinthians.
He said, therefore, “Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one” (1 Cor. 9:24-25).
Most people know who Usain Bolt is. He is known as the fastest man on earth. A Jamaican, he is the current World Record holder for the 100 and 200 metres race clocking 9.58 and 19.19 seconds respectively. The record still stands today.
His achievements and speed is something to be envious of. But behind all these lies his strict training and his hard work.
Even then, only one receives the prize and the rest would not. And this is a perishable wreath.
What about us who are to receive the imperishable wreath? Do we work enough? Do we do enough? Or is it a question we do not even want to hear?
We are the sons of God. Because of His love and mercy, we have been saved from eternal death. But being His children, we are asked to live a life worthy of the calling (Eph. 4:1) and to be like a good soldier (1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 2:3). Paul also punished himself to enslave it and discipline it.
Likewise, we must also live our lives worthy of repentance (Mat. 3:8), disciplining ourselves and holding fast to what we have attained (Phil. 3:16) and to learn to be content with what we are and press on to the goal before us (Phil. 3:14).
