Run to Win

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NLT)

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.


Reflection

Athletes don’t just show up to a game and hope something good happens. They train diligently beforehand. They have to be disciplined. They put in the work, even when it’s hard and tires their body and mind. They do this because their goal isn’t to just play the game or run the race. Their goal is to win.

Our faith should be handled the same way. We have to put in the work. Even when it’s hard. Even when we don’t want to. We have to be kind to our coworkers even when they say something that upsets us. We have to spend time reading the Bible even when we had a long day and just want to go to bed.

It’s easy to take the easy way out and be lazy in our faith, at least it is for me. Sometimes I just don’t want to spend time reading and would rather sleep. Sometimes I just want to let someone know exactly what I’m thinking, even if it’s not kind. But just like Paul in verse 26, we must run with purpose in every step. We must make decisions that will impact our race in a positive way. We must practice self-discipline so that we can live the life we’ve been called to live - being kind to others, giving generously, spending time with God.

We need to be disciplined in all aspects of our faith because we are running to win the greatest prize of all - eternal life with the Creator. I don’t know about you, but that’s one prize I want to dedicate my life to winning!


Action Steps

1. Is there an area of your faith walk where you need to be more disciplined?
2. What is one step you can take today to become more disciplined in that area?


Prayer
 
God, thank You for providing us with the greatest prize of all – spending eternity with You. Help me be more disciplined in my faith. Help me put in the work, even when it’s hard. Teach me how to draw closer to You. And thank You for Your continued grace, even when I fail. I love You, Lord. In Your name I pray, amen.