5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
2 Timothy 2:5
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Paul liked sporting events. He referred a lot to running a race or enduring a marathon. You can learn from athletes who strive for “masteries”; if you want to run a successful race as a believer, you must run according to God’s rules and ways. The prize is a good conscience for having done your best, and future rewards for service - all for the love of the Savior!
First, you must understand your goal. From 1st Corinthians 9:24, Paul says “run that ye may obtain” an incorruptible crown. This means that the shiny things we strive for in this life are nothing in comparison to the rewards God has for us. There's a prize at the end of the race. Know what that prize is. What are you running through life to obtain? Fame? Glory? Money? Worldly comfort? That's a corruptible crown. Or are you running for an Incorruptible Crown, that crown of rejoicing, that crown of righteousness?
Second, know what you are racing for. Just like an athlete, what do they race for? They race for that crown or reward at the end of the race tack. They practice, knowing that's their end destination - the finish line!
How many people enter a race so they can place second? Third? Do people think third out of 14 is good enough? No, we enter the race because we want to win. And that's what Paul says. When you enter the Christian race, you realize there's a goal line and your goal is to finish the race strongly. "He said I've run the course, I finished my race. There's laid up for me a crown of righteousness." (2 Tim 4:6-8)
What about you? Are you running to get earthly rewards in this life? The world will have you think their plans are the most important goal in the world. But don’t listen to them; there is only one race that matters: running a race that is well pleasing to God, showing true Christ-like love toward our neighbor, and increasing in godliness and holiness. Run to win!
This devotional has been adapted from the message, Consider Your Role, preached by Pastor Dr. Doug Mann.
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