DEVOTION – DAY 182

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 “Competing For An Eternal Crown” 

1 Cor.9:24-25 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. 

Recently, many of us have watched the televised 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Athletes had been training hard in their attempt to break world records and win the coveted gold medals. In ancient times, Paul may be thinking of the Isthmian games that took place once every two years by the Corinthians. In these verses, it reminded us that the athletes in ancient times trained very hard to win the race. Their prize was just a wreath that would wither within days. In the same way, athletes today may strive to win the race for a greater prize of a gold medal, cash incentives and fame but again, none of these rewards are long lasting. Who remembers the winners of past Olympics 30 years ago? Their fame is often short lived. Thus, Paul was right in reminding everyone in our marathon race in life, we must also be serious like athletes under strict training. But in our race, our prize is infinitely more valuable because our crown is one that will last forever. It is a crown we will receive one day from the Lord Jesus for having faithfully completed our race here on earth. In running our race, Paul calls us all to live a life of self-discipline. It is a life of submission and obedience to God.

Tonya Harding was a champion figure skater. She competed in two Winter Olympics. One of her main skating rivals was Nancy Kerrigan. In January 1994, she was suspected of conspiring with her husband to cause injury to Nancy Kerrigan. But Nancy quickly recovered and she and Tonya Harding competed in the Feb 1994 Winter Olympics. Nancy won the silver medal and Tonya was placed eighth in the figure skating competition. Tonya was found guilty later when she pleaded guilty for her role in the injury to Nancy Kerrigan. She was banned from competition in figure skating for life. Sadly, she had tried every means including illegal ways to secure victory in her chosen sport and her focused prize was something that did not last. In the end, she received judgment for her crime. Let us heed God’s warning to run and win the race for a crown that lasts forever. Let us live a life of self-discipline that pleases God, a life that He will reward. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for teaching us where to fix our priorities on, on things of eternal value and not on worldly things. Please help us to live a life of self-discipline that pleases you. In the great name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Questions

• Why do people spend their lives chasing after worldly recognition and worldly prizes? 
• Why does God want us to go after Godly things that are of eternal value and not worldly things?
• What motivates you in life, worldly things or eternal things? Share and Discuss.
• How can you live a life of self-discipline? Discuss.