1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly.
This week is the Athletics World Championship in Tokyo where athletes are striving to win a medal. Some are competing knowing that it is highly unlikely that they will reach the final in their event, let alone win a medal. However, they run to do their best, for their country as well as to perhaps achieve a personal best.
In this Bible passage, the apostle Paul reminds us that we should be doing our best as though we are trying to win the prize in a race. He goes on with encouraging words and in the next chapter he says, “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
May we all strive to live our lives giving our best, not for ourselves but to bring glory to God, who has given His best for us… the sacrifice of His one and only Son for the penalty of sin – my sin, your sin, the sin of the world.
