2 Timothy 2:5
"Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules." NIV
"And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." KJV
Living the life of a Christian is much the same as living life as an athlete. There are certain things required of an athlete who expects to finish first in competition, and if these requirements are followed half hearted, hit and miss, or side stepped, there will be no prize, only disqualification. The same is true for a true Christian. The world may be foolish and the person may fool himself, but when the real test comes, the winner will be the who who did things God's way.
Heavenly Father, we need your help in living our lives according to the leading of the Spirit so that we will be living according to your will and will live with you in eternity. Forgive us for the times we are slack and try to take short cuts. We know that is not what you intend for us. Give us hearts of fervor to do things according to your plan, in Jesus' name. Amen.
©2010
Daily Grace
Amen, and thank you.
ReplyDeleteI am determined to run the race set before.........and win! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteyep...I want to run the race and finish a winner. thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteI agree totally. He is a God of excellence, so why would we give Him back anything less. We aren't perfect, but we can offer Him our best...our all.
ReplyDeleteI love the last paragraph. What an awesome prayer. Peace this Sunday, Mollye
ReplyDeleteAmen. What we all need are pure hearts, and the only way we can have that is if we are in Jesus. He had the only pure heart. I'm so thankful that His purity can be transferred to us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte