“DO YOU NOT KNOW that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24).
Several years ago my son’s school held a sports day. But that very morning we had to take him to the hospital because he had an ear infection. While at the hospital, he was adamant that he wanted to attend the sports event. So after he was seen by the doctor, his dad took him there to enjoy a little of the day.
He even ran a race with his age group and came in second. He received a medal, but he felt unsettled for a few days because he wanted to be first. As a result, he made comments about eating more so he could be stronger and faster and exercising so he could be the best in the next race. This was the mindset of a 5-year-old—to strive to obtain a prize, to do what he thought necessary to be successful in his race.
WHAT’S YOUR GOAL?
We all strive for prizes in this life. We do all the things we deem necessary to obtain our goals and to achieve success. We get an education, seek a profession, and get married, among other things. All this we do as we run the race of life. Indeed, we should strive, we should obtain, we should be successful.
However, all this is for temporal prizes. There is a heavenly prize we must strive for. We must do all that is necessary by the Word of God through the grace and mercies of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In that race we need not trust in our strength and depend on our own tactics and strategies. Jesus has already made clear the strategic path in His holy Word. He is ready to grant us His strength and to make the impossible become possible.
The best thing is this: All those who enter this race will receive the prize. So what are we waiting for to start this race?
Ready, set, go!
