One Receives The Prize

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

The apostle Paul speaks of a runner competing in a race. After urging a church enamored with their rights to give consideration to one another, Paul explains how he sees the challenges of love and self-sacrifice to be like a marathon of endurance. As followers of Jesus, they are to relinquish their rights in obedience to Him.

As athletes train their bodies that they might win the crown, we too train our bodies and minds for our souls to flourish.

As we train to run in the Spirit of Christ, how might God want to mold us today?

Training leads to transformation.

Our Daily Bread – February 3, 2016