Daily Devotional

I used to be actively involved in any sport that came my way; one of the most exciting events was Athletics Day. Being completely undisciplined but totally motivated to run in any race, I would try out for the marathons, the sprints, the relays, the long jumps and the high jumps. And I failed dismally at almost all of them. When I look back, I ask myself, "Why did I run in every race I was offered?" It was simple — I enjoyed running. It was never about winning but more about just having fun.

Paul takes the task of running a race a little more serious than I did. Running a race for him was having a dream and a purpose accomplished at the finish line. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul remarks, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain."

Many Christians today live life for the day. As long as there are clothes in the cabinet, food on the table and a God to supply their needs, they consider their lives a successful Christian life.

Paul, on the other hand, exclaims, "Looking unto Jesus, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross." Jesus knew why He was coming to earth. He knew His purpose — to die for the sins of the people, to claim back the authority given to man, to set the captives free — and Jesus ran that race, enduring the cross and despising the shame. Jesus knew the reward — fellowship could be restored between man and God — and that was the "joy that was set before Him."

Consider your life — what is your reward when you reach that finish line? Will you, like Paul, receive the Crown of Righteousness? Will you run the race with patience and joy and with all determination to endure to the end? Will you be able to tell others, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course; I have kept the faith"?