Trophies and Medals
To one little boy in Indiana, a trophy given to him on a cold Saturday morning after a basketball game was as valuable as a Gold Medal at the Olympics. As we drove to a local church where our son, Caleb, was playing his last game of the season, he began to look forward to playing again next year. Then he proceeded to tell me that he was going to play every year until he was too old for this particular league. Not so much because he loves basketball that much, although he does like it a lot. His main motivation ... the Trophy! Which every player gets just for participating!
Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
What Does God's Story Say About Going for the Prize?
We should not let anything take our eyes of the goal of our relationship with Jesus. That goal, that prize, is to know Jesus and to become like him. It's not to DO more things for him, although that comes from knowing more. We should also be deteremined, that this journey with Jesus isn't just something we are checking out. We should keep going after that prize, year after year after year. It is a life-long journery of ABIDING afterall!
Connecting My Story To God's Story
- What is taking your eyes off of the prize? Ask God to be your strength in removing those obstacles.
- Are you "just checking out" this relationship with Jesus stuff? Make a commitment to follow him all the days of your life today!
- Just as athletes have to train to go for the gold, we too must train ourselves in a lifestyle of becoming more like Jesus. Read Hebrews 12 this weekend for a great start on a training plan.
Connecting Today's Story, My Story and God's Story With Others
Do you know someone who has taken their eyes off of the prize?
- Pray for them today.
- Get in touch with them and give them some encouragement this weekend.
- Ask them how you can help them regain their focus on Jesus.