“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
I am drawn to the suffering Christ. I can relate to the Jesus who wept, who was rejected, who was anxious and tired. But, I feel intimidated by the victorious Christ. The one who defeated death, rose again, and who will come again as a conquering hero. He feels so opposite of who I am.
I want to get to know that side of Jesus though. It is He who is now on this side of history. He still sympathizes and intercedes for us, understanding our made of flesh and blood frailty. But He is currently seated upon a throne in glory and it is good for me to remember that.
I am not a big sports person, but lately I have been thinking a lot about what it means to be an athlete. I watched a documentary called “Quarterback” on Netflix that unexpectedly resonated with my gentle walk in the park-yoga-stretching-self. The show provoked me to think about how hard these athletes train in order to win a game and ultimately a trophy, fame, and recognition.
Professional athletes must be disciplined. Their daily routines and scheduled training convicts me as I struggle to read my Bible each day, vacuum my home, pray as a family, or chop up vegetables to make a salad, when I am too tired. But I recognize that kind of regimen creates strength and growth. I want to learn how to apply those concepts of discipline, hard work, and grit to my life so, when I meet Jesus, I can show him that I gave 100% effort..
God calls us all to use this short life we have been given to glorify Christ. Our spiritual muscles should bulk up, not turn flabby as we age. Paul said that he beats his body to make it his slave (1 Cor 9:27). This life we lead is compared to running a race in order to receive a heavenly trophy (1 Cor 9:24-25). We are supposed to possess godly character in increasing measure (2 Peter 1:7-8). Faith without deeds is dead (James 2:26).
Everyone loves to win, but victory comes to those who have put in the work. I’m not ready to forfeit the game. So I need to train hard and grind through my spiritual workouts, even when I don’t feel like it, in season and off season.
I need to start performing like I am a professional Christian!