1 Corinthians 9:24

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. 

1 Corinthians 9:24 (ESV)

Paul frequently uses metaphors involving athletic competitions throughout his epistles. I like this technique because it paints you a visual picture of what he is trying to convey. For example, in this particular verse, I see eight runners positioned to run the race. The gun goes off and they all begin running. As they complete each lap, some of the runners lose their footing and slow down a bit, others get distracted by the person next to them passing them up, a few maintain their focus on the finish line. Even amongst the few, only one will ultimately win the race. They will receive the gold metal at the end.
I believe that Paul painted this picture to compare to our walk as Christians on our way to Heaven. Many of us will sign up for the race. With good intentions we will read our bibles, participate in bible studies, and go to church. Unfortunately, when life gets tough and trips us up, some will get distracted by worldly things and fall behind. Others will let people around them distract them from the finish line. Only very few will take what Jesus did seriously enough to make it to Heaven, to win the race.
We have to run the race like we mean it. Everyday, every step we take needs to be purposeful and intentional. Every step needs to be in the direction Jesus is beckoning. There will be distractions, trip ups, people who push and shove us along the way, but we have the promise of the prize at the end, regardless of what we have to go through to get there. Not only that, but Jesus will always  be running right beside us.