DEVOTION – DAY 367

I Corinthians 9:24-25 “Winning The Race”

1 Corinthians 9:24-25: “Do you not know that in a race all 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 for a crown that does will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

The apostle Paul used the example of a running competition to teach the leaders in the church in Corinth. The people of Corinth were familiar with running competitions held in their own Isthmian Games, held every other year. In Greece, it was the second most famous Games after the Olympic Games. In ancient times, the prize for the winner was often a wreath made from laurel leaves. Paul noted that in every race, there can be only one winner. Thus, everyone taking part in the race would practice hard in order to win the race. They compete in order to win the race and claim their prize – a wreath that will not last. This is because the laurel leaves in the wreath would dry up and become brown.

In the same way, everyone who is serving God in some ministry must take their work seriously. If they want success in their ministry, they must be prepared to be like the runners in the race – to prepare, to train hard, to plan and so on. Only then, will they become successful in their ministry. Unlike the runner in a race that wins a wreath that does not last, a Christian’s work for God lasts. God will reward the hard work with a crown that lasts forever. This is because all work for God is never wasted and God can multiply it many times over for eternal benefit.

We know someone who likes to do things last minute. She does not like to plan. But we shared with her that if she wanted to see progress in serving God, or for that matter in any kind of work, she needs to change the way she works. Sharing with her from these verses in 1 Cor.9:24-25, we told her the importance of planning ahead, to work systematically. We told her to work ahead and not to leave things till the last minute. After making some changes, she is now more organized and less stressed. The quality of her work is also better.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, please help us to be well prepared whenever you call us to serve you. Help us to be purposeful and committed and to give you all the glory. We ask this in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

1. What kind of working style do you have? Are you someone who plans or do you procrastinate and leave things till the last-minute thinking you work better under stress?
2. Like the runners in a race aiming to win the race, what changes will you make in the way you work so that you will meet with success?
3. Why is it important to be always well-prepared when we are serving God? Discuss.
4. How can you help someone who is disorganized in the way they work by being better prepared and more organized? Share.