Feb. 11, 2015: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart.

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 

24 Do 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. ²⁵Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable garland, but we an imperishable one. ²⁶So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; ²⁷but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.

Reflection:

Competing is tough.  I remember growing up and playing softball.  I was a catcher and I wanted to be the best.  Sometimes, that was easier depending on who the pitcher was! I would beat myself up if I missed an important ball.  Sometimes, we are the hardest on ourselves.  This is the spirit Paul wants to tap into. Paul uses the metaphor of an athlete for a reason.  Athletes have some wonderful attributes: determination, sets goals, motivated, have initiative, just to name a few. These are wonderful traits to have in faith. We can use this push to set goals. For example read the Bible daily, serve the community once a week, or pray for people constantly. God has already given us the prize of grace.  However, we need to continue, “fighting in the ring” in order to be the best for God.

Reflection Questions:

Morning: How has competing made you better?

Afternoon: Who do you want to be as a Christian?

Evening: What goals do you want to set to become stronger in faith?

Prayer: Creator, we thank you for the gifts and talents we have been given. Help us to become stronger in our faith in You.  Let us give it our all to be the best for You. Amen.