1 Cor. 9:24-27

Our summer theme here at Keswick appears to be taking on an Olympic theme, so it got me thinking about the winning of prizes and “medals”.  This summer many will put to the test years of training and labor to bring honor to themselves and their country.

In the early Olympics, it wasn’t medals they were earning; it was garland wreaths in the shape of crowns that they would then place in front of their country’s king to give honor to their king.  In the Christian world, we are also in a race which takes discipline, training and practice.  What are we trying to win?  We are running to win crowns that we will get to lay in worship at the feet of Jesus in Heaven.  I don’t know about you, but I want to win, so that I will have something to lay before my Heavenly King’s feet in thanksgiving for all He has done for me.

To compete in the Olympics, one needs to follow the rules, expectations and meet the requirements. In order to run in the Christian Race, there are also requirements that enable us to compete for the crowns.  In Hebrews 12:1-2 and Philippians 3:13-14, we learn that this race is exclusive to Christians, has rules set by God, and that although many may think they are in the race, not all will win and earn a prize.

Paul does not want to be disqualified so he puts in the effort and discipline needed to win.  Are you ready to do what is needed in your life in order to have “crowns” to lay at Christ’s feet?  Or, would you rather do less here and face Christ empty-handed?  Is heaven enough? I don’t know about you, but I really do not want to stand before Christ empty-handed.

While the Olympics are going on this summer and you are hearing all kinds of stories of courage, struggle, and persistence… ask yourself… am I pressing towards God’s crowns the same way many of the athletes have pressed toward corruptible crowns?

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

In my next Victory Call, we’ll look at the crowns we are running towards.

Lynne Jahns
Christian Counselor