In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul likens living the Christian life to running a race. The background for this analogy is probably the Isthmian games that were held in Corinth every two years. It featured five contests including running and boxing, both of which Paul makes reference to here. With respect to the foot race all who entered into the event ran, but only one received the prize. Though all Christians who faithfully run and finish the race of faith receive the prize, we must run like there is only one winner. We must run “all out” and must make every effort to discipline ourselves and exercise self-control. We must bring our body into subjection to the Lord and His word. We must not engage in any activity or attitude that might disqualify us. We must keep our spiritual eyes on the goal which is perhaps the crown of righteousness to which Paul makes reference in his second epistle to Timothy. “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).