St. Paul & Running the Race
Starboy,
We’ve talked about Epicurus and his comfort. We’ve talked about the Stoics and their control. We’ve talked about Aristotle and the habits that shape character. But now, I want to take you to someone who combines all of that with faith: St. Paul.
Paul often used the language of sport to explain life with God. He wrote to the Corinthians:
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 9:24–25)
Think about that. Paul lived in a world where athletes trained for months to compete in the games—running, wrestling, fighting for a crown made of leaves. A crown that withered in days. But Paul says: if they can discipline themselves for something so temporary, how much more should we discipline ourselves for something eternal?
You’ve seen this, son. The hours Dembélé and Yamal pour into football are for medals, trophies, contracts. Kobe’s obsession was for rings and legacy. But you are called to something even greater: to live for God’s purpose, to serve your family, to build a life of excellence that lasts beyond this world.
This past week, I saw once again the two sides of you. The disciplined boy who can hit top marks on a test. And the distracted boy who leaves work late, misses opportunities, and undermines his own progress. I told you the level of self-sabotage is concerning. At the eve of a very important game, you allowed your emotions to get the better of you and as a consequence, you drained out my enthusiasm. That’s the race Paul is talking about—not just a sprint on the football pitch, but the longer race of life. And the truth is, you can’t win it halfway. You’ve got to run with focus, endurance, and fire.
Running the race means:
- Saying no to distractions, because the race is too important.
- Training daily, even when you don’t feel like it.
- Fixing your eyes on the finish line, not just what feels good in the moment.
That’s why the Christian life is more demanding than Epicurus’ “comfort” or even Aristotle’s “virtue.” It requires the discipline of an athlete, but for a prize that doesn’t fade. And the good news? You’re not running alone. God gives strength when yours runs out.
So here’s the challenge this week:
- When you study, study like a runner training for the crown.
- When you train, train like an athlete preparing for the final.
- When you pray, pray like a competitor drawing strength for the race ahead.
Your habits matter. Your discipline matters. Your focus matters. Because this race is not just about football, or grades, or trophies. It’s about becoming the man God created you to be.
So, son, run to win. Not halfway. Not with excuses. With discipline, faith, and fire.
Mind the gap. Run your race. Win the prize.
With love,
Dad
