God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:9–11
When a group of people hike together or climb a peak, they don’t need to race. The last person to finish the trail or reach the summit has arrived every bit as much as the first person. They are all able to have fun together, enjoy the view, and rest in their accomplishment.
That’s kind of the way it is in our Christian life as well. There are many reasons for going to church, Bible study, or a small-group gathering; one important reason is to spend time with other believers. Even in the beginning, the Lord said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). While we may enjoy solitude, we have been made social creatures.
Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” We are not in competition; we are working together.
But wait . . . 1 Corinthians 9:24–25 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.”
Does that mean we are in competition with one another? That only one gets the prize? While these verses at first seem to suggest that, Paul is really telling us that everyone can gain the prize of salvation and eternal life. We are each to do our best in whatever way we serve the Lord. The goal is to excel, not compete. All of us can look forward to that first glimpse of heaven.