“Therefore, … let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
Every year at team cross-country camp, we spend time formulating our team goals. I encourage my athletes to post them in a prominent place so they’ll be reminded often of the purpose of the hard workouts, the challenging races, and the inevitable pain. Seeing their written goal every day motivates them to keep working, even when it is hard. They know the final reward of attaining their goal will be worth it!
The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9 that athletes train for a perishable prize, but that as Christians, we pursue an imperishable reward: eternity with Jesus. So we “do not run aimlessly,” but rather with purpose and single-minded focus on Christ, our Reward. Keeping this ever before us should motivate our actions. It helps us persevere when we grow weary with life’s difficulties.
If you’re pressing on for a material reward, you’ll probably find some joy in that. But I suspect it will be temporary. Do what Paul says: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9 that athletes train for a perishable prize, but that as Christians, we pursue an imperishable reward: eternity with Jesus. So we “do not run aimlessly,” but rather with purpose and single-minded focus on Christ, our Reward. Keeping this ever before us should motivate our actions. It helps us persevere when we grow weary with life’s difficulties.
If you’re pressing on for a material reward, you’ll probably find some joy in that. But I suspect it will be temporary. Do what Paul says: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
Scripture Focus
Acts 7:54-56
Insight
“Look full in His wonderful face./ And the things of earth will grow strangely dim/ In the light of His glory and grace.” (Helen H. Lemmel, 1922)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Chronicles 9-10
- Psalm 12
- Matthew 18
