Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.** 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)**
As believers our walks with Christ are to be our principal business. All things are to fall under that meaning we are to bring Him into all we do, say and think. Do our words and actions bring Him glory and us good? It matters greatly how we live this one life we have been given and the present is the present. Scripture tells us we are to “walk” as our Savior – pointing others to Him primarily through our works and words. Sadly, more often than not, I am demonstrating Beth Yoe not Christ. Remember as well, the more precious something is, the more importance of maintaining it. Excellence is rarely (if ever) gained without great industry. And more often than not, with the greatest difficulties and cost.
The greater the reward the higher the cost. A cursory look at the life of Christ when He walked this earth as well as the lives of His followers demonstrates this. Why should we as modern day believers think it will be “easy street” for us on our walks to heaven? Denying self and following their Master was the first disciple’s mantra and it is to be ours as well - though the world vehemently disagrees, the Lord does not. Yet, how often are we able to say this of ourselves? It is just too easy to blend with the world. Remember, “Only one life this too shall pass only what’s done for Christ will last,” some wise sage penned.
It also does us well to remember that excellence is not gained without much effort and industry. More often than not, God does not reveal His precious truths to the idol and arrogant who neither seek His ways nor even desire them. If we seek a crown or at the very least a “well done good and faithful servant” to place at His feet we must prepare ourselves. As Paul writes his beloved Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV): “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” We are also taught to walk as Jesus did if we claim faith in Him – denying self and taking up our crosses and following hard after the Lord Jesus. This is, BTW, taking hold of the life that is truly life, Scripture tells us. Remember God will be no man’s debtor. Whatever “meager” sacrifice we might make in the here and now will be more than recompensed. One never outgives the Master and on the flip side Satan always seeks our bondage and takes life rather than gives it. Further, one will not conquer in this without much diligence.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.** 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)**