“Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a
crown that will last forever.”
(I Corinthians
9:25)
Athletes in the ancient world trained to win a prize that
today would seem rather insignificant. A
crown of laurel leaves was the coveted prize the runner would receive after
winning the race. The accolade of the
crowd was further compensation, but that sought-after crown that had been worked
for so long, was withered and brown in a matter of
days.
Today’s athletes receive trophies, rings, automobiles and
more as a result of their hard work. But
even these seemingly more valuable treasures tarnish, are lost, or break
down. Paul reminds first-century
Christians that the prize they seek as faithful followers of Christ is an
eternal one that will not be destroyed…an eternal relationship with the living
God. Indeed, the preparations, the race itself is worth the
effort!
Prayer: We ask for strength and courage, Lord, as we run
the race you have set before us, keeping our eyes on the prize.
Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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