No genuine Christian can indulge the body and its lusts and expect to win the incorruptible crown of the Christian life. Probably Paul used this example because Corinth was known for the Isthmian Games that were second only to the Olympic Games of the Grecian and Roman world. Paul teaches here that the Christian minister and the Christian believer can be compared to athletes. Shockingly , he says that a true minister and a true believer of the Lord is to live a life just as disciplined as an Olympic athlete. Therefore, he strains in running to obtain the prize.
Nothing is acceptable except running and running hard.
Jogging is unacceptable. Lagging behind is unacceptable. Showing little concern for the finish line is unacceptable. Everyone who is committed to Jesus must run as diligently as the runner at the Olympic Games. The believer must put out the same kind of vigorous effort in order to reach the finish line.