“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.” I Corinthians 9:24

Slave To The Fleeting

When I was a kid, my dream was to be a professional athlete, so I spent most of my time and energy striving to become the best player I could be. I began setting goals for myself. The first was to play for a top youth soccer club in Houston, which I did. The second was to play varsity at my high school, which I did. The third was to play in college and a get a scholarship, which I did. Upon graduating I tried out for several professional teams and eventually met my ultimate childhood and life goal by signing a professional contract. I had achieved all the goals I set, and yet I still wasn’t satisfied. I had become a slave to the game.

The idea of how my soccer career was supposed to be was dramatically different than what it actually was. I loved soccer more than it loved me. It’s called the “beautiful game” but often it’s a cruel and heartless business paved with disappointment and despair. All of the victories and success I achieved was greatly overshadowed by the unkind memories, losses, and poor performances. I worked as hard as I could and didn’t get the result my heart desired.

I was putting my faith and my significance in things that were temporary. Games are forgotten, records get broken, players are replaced, and the game ultimately moves on without you. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 made me realize that as long as I’m playing for the temporary prizes (recognition, praise, and accolades) I will never be satisfied. The game will eventually forget us and leave us behind, but God will always be with us.

–CHAD SMITH

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