It requires strict training

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV

As both a registered participant and the race director of an upcoming 100 mile race, I found myself getting really excited upon receiving via email the proof (or rough draft photo) of the custom-made golden belt buckle inscribed with the words, "100 MILE FINISHER"  that "everyone who competes" and crosses the finish line will receive. Having already done two races of this distance before, I know what it's going to take for me and every other participant in the race to earn that buckle... "strict training." And when I say strict, I mean strict to the fullest extent of the definition of demanding total obedience or observance. You see, training for a race that will take anywhere from 20-30 hours for the average runner to complete will require an unyielding, uncompromising, no-nonsense focus on mental and physical training so intense that it will consume the runners’ every thought and action.  

And you know, as rigorous as the training must be to earn that shiny belt buckle (which is a reward that "will not last”), it pales in comparison to the "strict training" each and every believer must discipline themselves to do if they want to receive the "crown that will last forever." Discipline that not only includes daily prayer, bible study and worship but requires practicing consistent self-control to deny ourselves of anything (habits, relationships, social media, pursuits, hobbies, etc.) that might steal our time, rob our joy or cause us to take our focus off the Lord and keep us from running the race He has set before us. This spiritual training requires a steadfast, resolute and unfaltering resolve to keep our eyes and attention focused on the finish line.

So how would you say your training is going today? If you're unsure how to answer that, consider this... are you growing spiritually? If your spiritual life was a race, would you say that you have the stamina and endurance to go further than you did yesterday? Are you growing closer to the Lord and in knowledge each day? I sure hope so my friend. Because it's only through this "strict training" that you and I will one day earn the right to take hold of the "crown that will last forever." 

Heavenly Father, thank You for followers like Paul who led by example. Help us to follow that example as we run the Christian race. Help us to stay strong, focused and unwilling to throw in the towel when our training gets hard. Help us to stand up for what we believe in no matter the consequences and to continue running the race with all our might until we cross that final finish line. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

The Victory - Third Day