No sloppy living

Paul's words from I Corinthians 9:24-27 says; "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. 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. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" (niv). I haven't been able to get the loss of the championship game out of my mind yet (I guess it's my competitive side coming out), but Blake seemed to get over it rather quickly. I guess due to going right into the basketball season!

As I read this scripture, I am reminded to put our life as Christians in perspective as to the outcome of the game that was lost Sunday night. You see, Blake's team has put a lot of "blood, sweat, and tears" into the season that started just over 4 months ago and they had a great season only to come up short of the goal that they had set from day one, WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP! Paul reminds us that in an athletic race, everyone runs, but only one wins. He tells us synonymously to run the race to win (our Christian walk). All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. (msg) We as Christians have to look for the ultimate goal, we have to train hard (read the Word, Pray without ceasing, practice self-denial) because we are "after one that's gold eternally"(msg).

Paul said that there would be "No sloppy living for me!" (msg) We should have the same attitude as he did and when we find ourselves in the heat of the battle facing temptation, persecution, hardships, troubles of any kind we should say "I'm not going to get caught napping, I'm staying alert and in top condition" (msg).

Be encouraged today to get in the best Spiritual condition that you can so that you can reach the ultimate goal and receive the ultimate crown, Eternal Life!