“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
Run With Intentionality
I was a track athlete in high school and enjoyed the challenge of trying to be the best at my event: the 1600-meter race — four times around the track. I studied all the best strategies, bought the right shoes, ran every day (even in the rain and cold), trained with other runners, fed my body well, and tried to always beat my own personal record. I didn’t run aimlessly; I had a plan and a goal. I wanted to win the race. I wanted to be the one with a medal around her neck at the end of every track meet.
We all understand that if we are not intentional about our goals in life, we may not ever reach those goals. Just like in our athletic endeavors, we have to be disciplined in life and not just run about aimlessly if we want to ever get anywhere. Every day is a gift and we get to choose how we will spend our time.
The older I get, the more I feel a sense of urgency about being self-disciplined and intentional with my time. I don’t want to run about aimlessly and then look back on my life and be disappointed that I spent a lot of time on pointless things that meant nothing. We are all running the race of life and looking forward to our Heavenly crown.
I love what John Piper says about this topic: “The race of life has eternal consequences not because we are saved by works, but because Christ has saved us from dead works to serve the living and true God with Olympic passion!” Run your race with passion, purpose and intentionality. Run in such a way as to get the prize!
— Tricia Hudson
If you would like to submit a reader devotional, please email all submissions to jason@sportsspectrum.com.
