Winning the Prize

 ^“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.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NIV
 
Watching the summer Olympics gives me a renewed appreciation for competition, the miracle of the human body, and comradery amongst different nations. The apostle Paul with Aquila and Priscilla were mending tents that spectators slept in at a large competitive game event similar to the Olympics. Their sports were different and there was only one winner. Victory or defeat. There was no silver or bronze metal. The runners were all dedicated with a clear goal of winning the race to get the prize. The winner’s crown was made of olive branches that would soon wither and be tossed away. Just as we run the race of life, may we live it with intention, seeking the Kingdom of God first, centering our life on and in Christ. Daily spiritual training like prayer, engagement of the scriptures, Christian conversation, service, worship, and keeping the sabbath is how we prepare ourselves to wear the victory crown that goes on forever. Which spiritual training practice will you try today?

In Christ, 
Pastor Elyse