Prize Worth Fighting For
Competition
Philippians 3:14, NKJV, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ.”
Cousin Camp
Cousin Camp 2019 has just happened at my house. The six grandchildren gathered to play games, swim and eat together. We all look forward to this time in the summer with eager anticipation. Lots of planning takes place to prepare for this family event.
The children range from a 4 year old to a 12 year old and it usually falls on a birthday which we celebrated this year with the nine year old. The party turned into a happy birthday for everyone.
Competition
Games became very competitive. If they are not, somehow the kids make a competition out of everything we did. The boys especially wanted to be the best or first in everything. They wanted the recognition and/or the prize.
Stay Focused
The competitive spirit is very evident in the South during football season. Everyone wants their team to win the grand prize, but it is won by winning one game at a time. The teams prepare for that game and work towards the medal at the end of the season. The challenge for the team is to stay focused and not allow distractions to pull them away from the goal.
Run to Win
I Corinthians 9:24-25, MSG, “You’ve been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.”
Paul wrote the letter to Corinth to help solve some problems they were having in the local church. The letter can be applied to all churches. Paul reminds us to run to win the race. The Bible promises a prize or an imperishable crown. The race is not for salvation. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, eternal salvation is yours. The race is the self control and discipline that we as Christians must practice on earth to win the prize.
Run Hard
I Corinthians 9:26-27, MSG, “I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.”
Simply put, the Bible repeatedly reminds us to stay on the path that God has prepared for us. Keep our eyes focused on Jesus and the crown we could receive. Be obedient to the word of God and the guiding of the Holy Spirit. We are not to allow distractions to pull us away from the path that God has planned for us. Keep the course.The Bible tells us that there are crowns to be awarded in heaven. These crowns will be placed at the feet of Jesus because we will not be glorified at all. All glory and honor will be given to Him.
Run towards the Prize
Most of us know what it is like to go to the championship game and not win the trophy. Those feelings will be even more so when we get to heaven and receive no reward to place at the feet of Jesus. Can you imagine the disappointment and sadness knowing that we could have pleased Him and stayed on the path, but we chose to stray. Paul tells us to stay alert and in top condition so we might receive the prize Jesus wants to give us.
What is He calling you to do today? Stay focused on Jesus one day at a time. He will reward you the prize for a race well run! It will be worth it!
Paula Wallace
Additional reading
https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2015/09/30/olympic-competition-fear-not-19/
Great message. God bless!