Run in Such a Way

By Suzanne Benner on March 18th, 2009 at 12:01 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

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“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.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

I’m not a runner, but the picture Paul paints of an athlete captures my imagination.

“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 9:25)

I know what it is like to sacrifice in order to accomplish a goal, to scrimp and save, to spend hours studying, to labor for weeks on a project, to imagine and then create.

Anything worthwhile takes effort. If work is done haphazardly, or thoughtlessly, or sloppily, it is visible in the end result.

Paul urges us to remember that principle and apply it to our spiritual lives.

We are called to purposefully pursue a life pleasing to God, not only purposefully, but fervently and diligently.

I say to my kids, “Do your best.” The Bible exhorts us to “Make every effort.”

Make every effort to enter through the narrow door (Luke 13:24)

Make every effort to do what leads to peace (Romans 14:9)

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3)

Make every effort to live in peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14)

Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; (2 Peter 1:5)

Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with [God] (2 Peter 3:14)

You are in a race. Make every effort. Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Holy God, thank you for reminding me how important my spiritual journey is. May I pursue You and Your righteousness with all that I am.

Questions: Where have you become lazy in regard to your spiritual race? Do you put more importance on being diligent in earthly things, than spiritual things? If so, why?

About this Author: Suzanne Benner

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