“An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win.” 1 Corinthians 9:25-26 (TLB)
I need to consider that I'm in a race.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 9:24-26, “In a race everyone runs, but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win. To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win” (TLB).
While I'm running my race, I don’t want to get sidelined or run off into a ditch. I want to make it to the finish line and win the prize.
Just like the soldier, the athlete has three things to teach me about being and doing my best.
1. I must intend to win.
This is the difference in being a casual Christian and a committed Christian. Is there a difference between a competitive golfer and a casual golfer? The committed golfer is playing to win. The casual golfer is just having fun during his time off. The difference is the degree of seriousness.
If I'm going to win in life, it’s not going to happen by accident or without effort. How serious am I about being who God made me to be?
2. I must discipline myself.
No athlete becomes a professional athlete without training. There are no shortcuts to maturity. There are no shortcuts to greatness.
What are some things I can do without so that I can spend more time with God, give more, serve more, and be more of what God wants me to be?
3. I must stay focused on the reward.
I can handle enormous pain and discipline in my life if I realize there’s a purpose for it and a payoff at the end.
The Message is paraphrase says in Hebrews 12:2, “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.”
This encourages me to stay focused on the prize: an eternity with Jesus Christ!
In summary:
My life is like running a race, emphasizing the need for purpose, discipline, and focus. Just as athletes train and sacrifice to win a temporary prize, Christ followers are called to live with intentionality for an eternal reward. Paul urges me to "run straight to the goal with purpose in every step" (1 Corinthians 9:26), highlighting that spiritual success doesn’t come by accident—it requires effort and commitment. Like a serious athlete, I must be intentional about my spiritual growth and avoid distractions that could sideline me from God’s calling and purpose for my life.
Three lessons stand out from the athlete’s example: First, I must intend to win—approaching my faith with seriousness and dedication, not casually. Second, I must discipline myself, understanding that spiritual maturity comes through consistent effort and sacrifice. And third, I must stay focused on the reward—an eternal life with Christ. Hebrews 12:2 reminds me to keep my eyes on Jesus, who endured everything for the joy set before Him. When I remember what’s at stake and Who I'm running toward, I will find strength to keep going, even through hardships.
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