First of all, what is the definition of a “prize?” One is an award in an athletic competition.
The Holy Bible talks about a prize in 1 Corinthians 9:24. It says, “Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”
The Holy Bible also says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
What goes up must come down. When praise goes up, blessings come down.
It is truly a blessing when we can give cheerfully to those in need, and receive cheerfully from those who may have more than they need. Amen!
Give and it should be given back to you. God loves a cheerful giver, so let us give to one another. Amen!
The Apostle Paul asks his readers to follow his example and run in such a way as to get the prize.
Like disciplined athletes, our running — the way we live our lives — might mean saying no to some of our pleasures.
Being willing to forgo some of our indulgences might help us reach others with the good news of our rescue from sin and death and homelessness.
With our hearts and minds, our souls, and our strength trained on the goal of inviting others to run the race alongside us, we are also assured of the ultimate prize — eternal fellowship with God.
The victor’s crown God bestows will last forever. We win it by running our lives with the aim of making Him know, while relying on His strength to do so.
What a reason to run. We must turn His grace into “Amazing Grace.” We must go from being weak into being strong. All the evil around us is no match for the God that is within us!
Service to the Lord is absolute faithfulness wherever He places you or me. Amen!
What is your aim in life? How is it similar or different from Paul’s?
Jesus helps me stay focused on the reason I run: to share about Him with those around me. Amen.
As I close, the Holy Bible says in Psalms 51:10-13, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”
Amen! Love, always.
