Before we develop this analogy let me make clear three pertinent ideas:
In Hebrews the twelfth chapter, the Apostle Paul describes the Race of Faith. He provides us three very strong considerations for how we should play out our Christian lives.
The quintessence of Christianity is a relationship with Jesus the Christ. This relationship is developed through Discipleship, in the context of Fellowship, expressed in Worship, fleshed out in Ministry, and recreated through Evangelism. “We go Deeper through Discipleship, Warmer through Fellowship, Stronger through Worship, Broader through Ministry, and Larger through Evangelism.” (Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life)