Preserved in Jesus Christ – Day 3
Winning the Prize
Bible text(s)
Philippians 3
Colossians 3
Throughout the world, many athletes dream of participating in the Olympics. Paul was fond of describing the Christian life as a race and the advice he gives to Christians is identical to the advice coaches give to athletes who are preparing for a race.
When you are in a race, you cannot rest on past successes nor can you ponder on past failures. One needs to focus on the task at hand. The distraction of looking back could cost one the race.
We must remember that Christ has already won the prize for us. However, for us to claim the prize of everlasting glory, we need to stay focussed.
In Paul’s days, winners for the Greek races received a crown of laurel leaves and sometimes a cash award. Today, Olympic winners receive gold medals and, more often than not, substantial cash awards from their grateful countries as well as lucrative sponsorships.
Paul reminds us that when we have run our Christian race, we too will receive our award, which is everlasting glory.
