Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24
Playing sports is something that a lot of people like to do in their spare time. Most people like to play some sport just for some leisurely fun every so often, but not on a regular basis or with any real seriousness to it.
Very few people are able to have the drive and put in the hard work and effort that professional sportsmen put in. They are content to just be an amateur.
Paul compares the believer’s life to that of a runner. He told the people to run the race in order to win the prize.
In every sport there is one person or team that gets the grand prize. Only one can be number one. In order to win the number one position, one must put in a lot of work and dedication to playing his best or improving to become the best.
As with playing sports, many people become a believer, but do nothing beyond that. They are content to stay right where they are.
Every believer ought to be running hard after God. He should strive to do his best and most for God all the time.
No matter how much a person knows about the bible, there is more to be learned. No matter how much a person prays, there are more prayers to be made. No matter how much a person flees from sin, there is more sin to flee from. No matter how much a person looks like Jesus, there is always room for improvement.
One should always strive to be the best for God in every area of his life, not out of pride, but out of love for God.
Examine your life and see how you are running the race to be more like Jesus and to do things for God. Have you allowed yourself to become lazy and not give your best? Or are you always striving to give your best to God in every area of your life?
Live your life for God in such a way as to be running for the grand prize that only one person can get. Do not allow yourself to be lazy and accept only second place. Every believer can qualify for the grand prize as he runs for it.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that you will strive to live more like Jesus everyday; that God will give you strength as you run hard after Him; and that you will not be disqualified to gain the prize of eternal life when Jesus returns.
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