During high school, girls’ physical education often involved jogging a mile around campus. As we completed our run, the coach handed each girl an object indicating her finishing position.

I was never a fast sprinter, but I’ve always had a competitive streak. That’s what motivated me on some days to speed past my classmates and grab the trophy: a popsicle stick labeled “1.”

Collapsing and heaving on the gym floor afterward, I felt a strange sense of satisfaction. I knew it was silly, but in my hand was tangible evidence that in some small way, I was No. 1.

In a world of rankings and bragging rights, who doesn’t like to win? The apostle Paul acknowledged this aspect of human nature when he said, “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” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

Corinth was the site of athletic games similar to the Olympics. Victors received wreaths of celery or other organic material to adorn their heads.

At best, all that training and exertion yielded a prize that quickly faded and fell apart. By contrast, Paul spoke of a crown that would last forever (verse 25).

In pursuing this objective, Paul said, “I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (verses 26–27).

Paul’s devotion to ministry was nothing short of heroic. He endured hardships and deprivations that would have sidelined even the toughest and most determined athletes.

Yet Paul was striving for more than momentary wins. As he told the Philippians, “To live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21).

Our status in God’s kingdom does not depend on church attendance numbers, building size, or social media likes.

Paul wasn’t seeking accolades, applause, or book deals. Those things are just popsicle sticks.

Compared to knowing Jesus, Paul said everything else he could possibly brag about was essentially garbage (Philippians 3:8). Paul understood that personal achievements and good works could never give anyone right standing before God. Righteousness comes through faith in Christ alone (verse 9).

What kept Paul running was a burning desire to serve, honor, glorify, and identify with Jesus: “I want to know Christ — yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (verses 10–11).

That’s the finish line Paul had in mind when he said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (verse 14).

Our status in God’s kingdom does not depend on church attendance numbers, building size, or social media likes. Popsicle sticks and leafy wreaths might be nice, but they can easily distract us from the main event.

For believers, Christ is the whole race, beginning to end. He is our purpose and prize.

Serving God has never been about outrunning someone else or coming in first. Embracing this truth frees us from pressure to perform. It opens our hearts to favor that does not depend on accomplishments, joy that transcends circumstances, love that is selfless, and hope that anticipates eternity.

To live is Christ. To minister is to do His will, not advance our own interests (Philippians 2:20–21). To run well is to follow Jesus with every step so that all eyes are on Him rather than our feeble works. To win is to know Christ and experience the power of His resurrection.

With the threat of execution looming over him, Paul knew his earthly race might come to a violent end. He wasn’t worried, however. Because of his eternal perspective, Paul could say confidently, “To die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Toward the end of his life, Paul offered this assurance: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).

At every stage of the race, Christ’s victory can be ours, too. We are called to run faithfully, keeping our eyes on the prize of everlasting life in, with, and through Him.

This article appears in the Spring 2026 issue of Influence magazine.