Victory
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain” (1 Corinthians 9:24).
There are so many sporting events going on in the world — regional, national and international championships are organized continually. The athletes train extremely hard and persevere with great willpower for victory! They renounce many pleasures of daily life to be fit and ready on competition day. That is the one side.
On the other side, how soon are great victories forgotten! How quickly heroes are set aside by the crowds who are always finding new ones who are quicker and stronger, in short — better — until these too are forgotten. Such is worldly, transient, short-lived glory.
Yet there is another race, we know. There is no esteem, no applause from the crowds, but something much more important: acceptance by God. This is the Christian race of faith. This exercise does not strengthen the body — it strengthens the soul, protecting against the influence of Satan and the world. “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:1).
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