Winning the Prize

Neville Turley

Of course, my brothers, I really do not think that I have already won it, the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.

Philippians 3:15 (GNB)

Throughout the world many athletes are focussing on the Olympics.  Paul was fond of describing the Christian life as a race and the advice he gives to Christians is identical to the advice coaches give athletes preparing for a race.

When you in a race you cannot rest on past successes nor can you ponder on past failures.

One needs to focus on the task in hand.  The distraction of looking back could cost one the race.

We must remember that Christ has already won the prize for us, but for us to claim the prize of everlasting glory we need to stay focussed.

In Paul’s day, winners for the Greek races received a crown of laurel leaves and sometimes a cash award.  Today Olympic winners receive gold medals, and more often than not substantial cash awards from their grateful countries as well as lucrative sponsorships.

Paul reminds us that when we have run our Christian race, we too will receive our award which is everlasting glory.

“You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right hand side of God.  Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory!”  Colossians 3:1-4.

Prayer: Almighty Father, thank you for past blessings and achievements.  Give me grace to live not in the past but in the present.  Give me strength, Lord to run my life’s race to your glory.  For Jesus sake. Amen.