Emphasis Preaching Journal

A preacher often related the exceptional accomplishments of noted athletes in order to inspire his congregation to greater efforts. Although this homiletical approach did motivate some of his listeners, its overuse discouraged other folk who knew that they would never be fit enough to compete in any athletic contest. Perhaps that explains the typographical error that appeared in one Sunday's bulletin, announcing the final hymn as "I Am Thin, O Lord." On the first day of school a teacher explained to her kindergarten pupils that if anyone had to go to the restroom, he or she should hold up two fingers. A little girl near the back of the room, after some thought, softly inquired, "How's that going to help?" Recognizing the diversity of age and physical abilities within any congregation, perhaps a fine pastor will use illustrations of athletic victories only sparingly and purposefully, just as Paul did. In his passage, Paul makes the point that we must run the race to win, yes, but a race offering an imperishable prize. We are not to run "aimlessly" (v. 26), but to seek the one prize that is above all others.
-- Bristow