I Strike A Blow To My Body

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. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

The excitement of a race was a familiar concept to the apostle Paul, but he used competition to illustrate something eternal. He noted that everyone who competed, was temperate. And he went on to note that they did it to obtain a perishable crown, but we do it for an imperishable crown.

Sometimes we are tempted to place our emphasis on temporal rewards, which perish with the passing of time. The Scriptures, however, encourage us to focus on something more permanent. We honor God by seeking spiritual impact that will be rewarded in eternity.

Run the race with eternity in view.

Our Daily Bread – March 22, 2013