Paul used the example of the athlete to call the congregation to repentance, to let them see what the goal is, the crown that will last forever. The apostle Paul wanted them to see themselves and us as a congregation in a mirror so that we can become focussed again on what matters. To be a runner in faith asks that we not only sacrifice the things that are harmful to our relationship with the Lord, but it also asks that we are dedicated in our preparation to serve the Lord. The two-word pictures that Paul used in 1 Corinthians 9 are that of a runner who runs focused on the finish line and the boxer who doesn’t shy away from his opponent, but rather engages him to the finish.