Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24
Paul was talking to a community of people in Corinth that were heavily into athletics. He taught that we let go of our rights and our privileges so that we might win people to Christ. Paul knew that eternity was real and to push forward for one thing; the prize. Nothing else matters now but winning the prize.
Don’t you know that in a race only one man wins? Realize this, your not competing against any other person. Your competing against yourself. Jesus teaching on the talents and on the pounds teaches us that you are running against what the Lord has entrusted to you; the gifts, talents and abilities God has given you and embedded into you. Are those God given talents, abilities and time being developed for His glory or for your own? Are you laying down your rights and your privileges to see others brought to the kingdom? You are running your race to win the prize to Christ, not to yourself.
We need to be more concerned about people being saved then our own situation.
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3
This summarized excerpt is taken from a bible study by Pastor Jon Courson. Click to hear or read this full bible study >