“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?”
I recently attended the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Ohio golf state championship in Columbus, Ohio. There were 12 boys teams and 12 girls teams participating. At the end of the weekend – after playing 36 holes – there was one young man from Cleveland, who was the state boys individual golf champion, and a young lady from Centerville, who was the girls state champion.
In both categories – boys and girls golf in Ohio – there was one state champion. One person was on the podium to be recognized as the best in Ohio. Sometimes their coach would give a short speech and talk about humility, hard work, focus, patience and playing by the rules. It was inspiring to watch. They “ran” in such a way as to get the prize. They got the prize (a trophy, aka a perishable wreath).
We can do the same thing with how we live our lives. If we focus on Jesus and try to be humble, work hard, and be patient, then we can win the prize that is discussed in these verses: eternal life.
“Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we can truly live our lives with love, joy, patience, peace, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. We then focus on Jesus in everything that we do.
Does this sound like you?
“They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
I have a friend who was an excellent high school basketball coach. He worked hard, was self-controlled and never used profanity. He was recently inducted into The OHSAA Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. He has a room in his basement that is filled with plaques and trophies that are fun to look at but, ultimately, are perishing wreaths.
They don’t last.
What lasts is what he modeled and told his players over the years about prayer, accepting defeat, dealing with adversity and knowing Jesus. He led the team in the Lord’s prayer after every game, win or lose.
That is what lasts forever!
What is your purpose in life? Are you like a boxer swinging and missing? What is a spiritual gift that God has given you? Find your purpose and live for the glory of God.
Honor God. Every day.
Tom Weckesser
Every Day With God 