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The Daily Word of Righteousness
Our Goal Is To Be Saved, #7
Do you not know 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 after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (I Corinthians 9:24-27—NIV)
"Run in such a way as to get the prize." A champion athlete has an inner fire that other competitors lack. He is a "killer," so to speak. It is not that he desires to hurt someone, it is rather that there is a determination to win that permits no interference. His entire personality is concentrated on pushing, pushing, pushing until everything gives way before him. He is driving his body way past ordinary endurance. He will fight, and fight, and run, and run, and push, and push, blinded to everything else. When no energy is left he calls up more and still keeps pushing. He is going to win and will accept no other outcome of his terrific struggle.
God has people like that and they blaze a trail that others may follow. Not all believers have this kind of fire, but all have to exert themselves—strenuously at times—in order to gain the prize of salvation.
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training." Paul is referring to the athletic competitions of his day. As is true of our time, those who compete in the Olympics do not live an ordinary life. They spend many hours each day training, training, training. Their diet is carefully controlled. They have expert instructors. Their whole life revolves around the desire to win in the games.
Do we view the plan of salvation in this manner? If we do not we are unscriptural.
I think we in America are facing war or some other type of prolonged catastrophe. If this takes place, we shall see many believers who today are living careless lives turn and run the race as they are supposed to be doing. They will understand if they do not apply themselves with all their might they are going to fall by the wayside.
Christian, prepare yourself today. There is not going to be a pre-tribulation rapture to remove you from the conflict.
"They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." The champion athlete spends many years driving himself to the top of his sport. He wants the gold medal or the trophy so he can show to the world the proof of his magnificent effort.
However, we as Christians are pursuing a "crown that will last forever." The eternal crown goes to the believer who has given all that he is and has in order to win the race.
The attitude today is that every lukewarm churchgoer will be given the eternal crown. What do you think Paul would say to the churches of America at the present time?
To be continued.