“Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

Live Life Without Regrets

I will never forget the first time I walked into my college football weight room. It wasn’t the plethora of benches and weights that stuck out to me, but two challenges that were written on the wall: “Live Life Without Regrets” and “Don’t Die Wondering.”

Our coach didn’t just want us to apply this mindset to our weight training, but to our entire lives. He challenged us to look in the mirror every night before bed and ask if we lived that day without regrets; challenging me to examine my life and raise the standards I had for myself.

So what does it mean to live life without regrets and not die wondering? It’s becoming the man or woman of God that He wants you to be each day. When we do this, we never have to wonder if we’re doing the right thing or if our life coincides with God’s plan for us. It’s not cutting your workout. It’s adding more weight for your last set even though your body feels exhausted. It’s not taking a play off even if the ball goes away from you and you’re about to collapse. It’s living a disciplined life to have that extra step because you pushed harder.

It’s also living a life pleasing to God. This begins by getting rid of the sin, people, and anything on this earth that hinders your race to God, so when we die we can say “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). It’s not just whether or not we finish the race, but how we run. Will you run in a way that is pleasing to the Lord? If so, on judgment day He will say “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Live everyday without regrets, keep running to God and align your life with His plans for you. If you do this, you will finish the race and never have to wonder.

—BRIAN PAYNE