#TuesdayTruth 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

1 Corinthians 9:24-25

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Isn’t God cool- how He gives us ways to better understand Him in Scripture?!

Think about a runner/athlete- not just any runner, but an elite runner, who has a goal ahead of winning some particularly prestigious race. That runner “goes into strict training.” He or she will follow a rigid training program, maintain a strict diet, make sure to hydrate sufficiently, ensure they get plenty of rest; all this, among other things, because he or she knows that it is all in an effort to achieve that particular goal. They most likely set aside a lot of time and energy for training, which means giving up on other comforts/opportunities/offers.

Now, let’s consider our purpose, our goal, here on earth. Jesus was our perfect example and He came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). We are to love God, love His people, and make Heaven crowded.

In life, there are so many things that vie for our time and attention. Many of those things truly do not matter when we think of them in the scope of eternity. We have to remind ourselves to keep in focus what is most important and what our true purpose is here on earth.

We can just consider that runner, who went into strict training. They pushed aside all the distractions, and all the things that could keep them from their true goal. None of that other “stuff” matters.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving us relatable examples in Your word so that we can better understand You and what is most important to You. Thank you for offering us the ultimate “prize” or “crown” (and not just a crown, but one that will last forever)! Thank you for Your Son.

We love you Father,

Amen.