Sundays with Kristi: Run to Win!

The Olympics have begun again!

Every four years we are treated to the excitement and pageantry that is the summer Olympics. I must admit, I enjoy watching the Olympics. I find it fascinating to watch these elite athletes perform. I participated in Track and Field in high school with moderate success and it always brings back memories of the grueling practices and the discipline and effort that were required in order to be ready to compete. As I watch the Olympics, I have a great amount of respect and appreciation for the people who have dedicated so much time and energy into training in order to be able to showcase their talents to the world on this grandest of stages.

There is no wonder, then, that Paul uses the analogy of racing as an example of how to live the Christian life.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make if my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”

The discipline and the focus required to become an elite athlete is all-encompasing. These athletes are concerned about their sleep habits, their diet, their exercise. They have coaches who help them and direct them. For them, 99% of the real work and struggle that prepares them to compete is done away from everything and everyone else. At the end of the day, it is only their own personal dedication and desire to fulfill that goal that keeps them disciplined and focused.

As Paul compares this, does the above paragraph describe us going through our Christian life? How disciplined are we at staying focused on our goal of becoming more Christ-like every day? Are we obedient to Him even when no one else is looking? Does it influence what we do and say throughout the day? Are we focused on this as we make decisions throughout our day? These are the questions that we must ask ourselves and answer honestly. If you, like me, find that sometimes you are not as focused as you need to be, perhaps you want to consider a “coach.” Finding a mentor or having another Christian brother or sister that can come along side and encourage, direct, and “coach” is a wonderful way to maintain consistency in our level of discipline.

As we watch the Olympics over the next couple of weeks, as we see these people live out the dream that they have worked and struggled and sacrificed for over the course of several years, think about how your dedication to the race of the Christian life compares? God is watching and waiting to give out the golden crowns for a life lived in obedience to Him.

As you run the race of the Christian life, are you running in such a way to win?

Father, You are the goal for which I am racing. I will focus and discipline myself to run the race of the Christian life in such a way that You are pleased. I pray that You will forgive me for losing focus. Cleanse me and make me new so that I can run the race in such a way to win. I want to receive Your crown and reward.

Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook page

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The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
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