1 Cor. 9:24-27 (NRSV)
Read 1 Cor. 9:24-27 on biblegateway.com
Verse 24Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Verse 25Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. Verse 26So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; Verse 27but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.
Devotion
Oh boy, we do a lot of aimless running! Yep, we are running every which way, and for what – to keep up with the Joneses? To serve our own needs ... or the needs of others? I wonder how often do we slow down enough to ask ourselves those questions. If we did, we would realize that while we’re so busy worrying about “me, me, me,” the relationships, nations and ecosystems around us are crumbling.
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reminds us that as Christians we run the race knowing that our salvation has already been won. We run the race so that we might serve the neighbor and care for creation; so that the good news of salvation in Christ Jesus be may seen and heard, and that all may rejoice at the finish line glorifying God in heaven.
Prayer
Enduring God, guide us in the race, keeping our eye on you at the finish line. Amen.