“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; and everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Cor. 9:24-27

Over the past few months my husband and I have begun to get back into a good exercise routine. Whenever I am making a greater effort to take better care of myself I am able to quickly identify the relationship between the physical and the spiritual. Reading 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 has caused me to ponder those similarities anew.  I am just into the second phase of my training program to run for the sake of my physical body so these verses give me perspective. My attitude lately has been that I just want to finish the race my husband and I have signed up for. I am not looking for a first place win nor am I looking to make great time. But, with that attitude, I will only accomplish just that much. Would I be further along in my training if I were out to win? Would I accomplish greater things by keeping my eyes on the prize? I would think there would be a big difference if I focused on winning rather than just making it to the finish line. Paul says to run in such a way that you may obtain the prize, to strive for the things that are imperishable, to be disciplined and not disqualified in the end.

So, why do we do what we are doing for our spiritual good? Why are we reading God’s Word each day? Is it to check something off today’s list? To be able to say we read through the Bible in a year? Let’s change our mindset from participation just to finish and begin to discipline ourselves so as to gain the greater prize of knowing God through Jesus Christ. We have the opportunity to flex some spiritual muscles as we read and meditate. If we are willing to do some hard work we will certainly obtain the prize!

Blessings,
Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 years.  They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.