The Set-Up:
Practice is important. Do you know the saying, “Practice makes perfect”? It is said that a good MLB defensive player will envision scenarios on where the ball will go and where they need to throw it if it was hit to them. Some think about this between every pitch. If they were to just go onto the field and let things play out, that could spell disaster.
Walking through life aimlessly can be dangerous. Paul challenges us to think differently about our lives now that we have chosen to follow Christ. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul lays out the argument that he has given up his rights completely for his faith. At the end of the chapter, he explains how he chooses to focus on life as an athlete. Prepare your heart for the race God has called you to.
Passage to Read:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Reflection Questions:
What has driven you to succeed at something in the past? What is Paul hinting at that is the motivating factor for us running the race to win?
Paul is essentially saying “practice what you preach.”How does your public life line up with your faith?
What can you add to your life to help you have a daily focus on running this marathon?
Prayer Idea:
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you ways that you can run this race. Be open to God speaking to you about things that way you down from running it well, and discovering a deep purpose so that you can run to the best of your ability.