“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.
The Bible says we must follow Christ: “Those without
vision cast off restraint. Blessed is he who keeps the law.” Proverbs 29:18. As
Christians, we are in a battle to stay on the path that leads to glory. Commitment
to vision is needed. Hard work requires self-control, discipline, is intentional,
and requires dedication to excellence. To have such spiritual transformation, renovation
of the heart is the foundation to change: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified
the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit,
let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:24-25.
The way to victory is a radical path of faith in Jesus
because of who He is and what He has done to give us the victory over sin and
temptation. Faith demands us to persevere through suffering, to endure hardship,
and to push past our weariness as we approach the finish line. “This body of
ours had no rest, but we are harassed at every turn, conflicts on the outside,
fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforts us.” See 2
Corinthians 7:5-6.
We push forward and strain ahead, to keep the victory and
becoming more like Jesus. The trophy is our freedom in Christ. “It is freedom
that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be
burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1.Our reward is in Jesus. Unless
He is the major pursuit of our lives all other pursuits are dead end streets.
They don’t work, don’t satisfy, and have no fulfillment. Anything other than the love of Christ won’t
do for us what we think they are going to do. Read Matthew 6:33.
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