“…As If To Win the Prize”

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

I came in to the office later on Friday night, and was startled to hear some music. At first, I couldn’t tell where it was coming from, but it sounded ethereal, and I thought that maybe the person who cleans was here. But it was loud, and it was coming from the direction of the Gymnasium. So I went to investigate, and I found a few girls there, and one was practicing her flag twirling. This student is one of the top in the nation for Cologuard, and I must say, I was impressed by the dedication. It’s close to the season starting, and she wants to maintain her position. So she came in on her off time, and worked for it.

I told my boys about it, as all aspire to learn music; they practice, much of the time when they are told, but the difference is they don’t go the extra mile for it. There’s not really a drive to learn, there’s just a want to. This student that I walked in on during her practice desires to be the best, and so she does what she must to get there. That’s why she performs well when in competition. In the same way, if they want to be great, they have to do more than just the minimum.

Consider this for ourselves: maybe we want or desire a relationship with Christ, but do we practice our relationship with Him when no one else is looking? Do we labor in the Word, in prayer, or do we seek what we want to do? I’m speaking to myself here. It’s not about WORKING for God, but working TOWARDS God! Scripture tells us to strain toward the goal, and to run the race as if to win the prize, so why do we only train a few times a week, and then only for an hour or so? How much of our tie, treasure and talents go in to our leisure and not in to our relationship with Christ? Lord, help me, I know I’m guilty!                 So, let’s be like this young lady, working when no one else is around for a prize, only to realize we’re working for the prize in Christ!

1 Timothy 4

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.