The Eternal!

The Eternal!

A true athlete will be disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control in order to win a laurel wreath that quickly withers. But we run our race to win a victor’s crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:25 TPT

In the physical, a lot goes into the preparation for a race. It's amazing that a 100 metres race takes at most 20 seconds from start to finish but the preparation for it starts as long as 4 years prior to the race. Whatever the sport, the actual competition is prepared for way ahead of time. The race is not the practice session; if you were not ready before the race starts, you cannot win. It's that simple. 

In the spiritual also, the same applies: for all who claim to know God, we have been called into a race, one that requires and demands preparation. For physical races, your preparation must match the actual competition. You cannot spend time in the boxing ring, shadow-boxing, when you are preparing for a 100 metres dash. Preparation must match competition. Does this describe my life? 

That preparation involves a lot of self-control and strict discipline, taking it one day at a time, while looking forward to the actual competition. You will deny yourself what is convenient, because there is a target in view. As today's extract says, all these are done for a earthly reward that does not last. You are only the champion in that particular race, and next year's edition will require more preparation in order to keep winning. With age comes its own problems too. 

All of the above for a crown that fades; God calls me to a race where the reward is eternal. The crown here is not the type you can buy, or cheat your way into. It is not given, and then taken away after some time. The victor’s crown is given at the end of the 1 race I have been called to, which helps me focus on what is really important. You don't mention victory without a fight, and you don't win if you don't fight. God promises me help to win, but I must embrace his help by aligning with His rules. That is the guarantee of eternity with Him. Nothing else works. God's time of favour is here.