1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NLT
“I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”

Running, working, living with purpose is not exactly the motto of the world. Most people struggle to get out of bed, get through the day, week, month and year. A lot of people work, strive and pursue on a daily basis, looking for goals, or a prize perhaps.

They believe they will have a good life if they get a good job or career. They believe if they find love and marriage they will achieved balance and continuity. They may buy a car, a house and work to have a status in society, but is it enough?

As Christians, we have a purpose, a reason, a drive and a goal. We believe when we follow the ways of God that we not only have a purposeful and meaningful life now, but we will also have a life in eternity with Jesus.

Paul says, in this passage, that he trains, he disciplines himself to receive an eternal prize. His life goal was to win souls for Jesus Christ and he did not want to falter, He wanted to finish strong.

He did not want to minister for Jesus and become weak at the end. He also makes a statement that he does not want to be disqualified, meaning he did not want his life to be in vain by working hard for Jesus and failing at the end.

We have a choice everyday when we get up; we can have plans for success and a purpose or just barely make it through life. Paul wanted to finish strong. I believe his words this morning would be; “don’t give up or give out. Run your race to win!”

Prayer:
Father, give me endurance that I may run my race and finish strong. That the legacy that I leave will be that I fought hard for Christ to the very end.