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Plan, Prepare & Run Well
John Tilton1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Runin such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crownthat will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly;I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my bodyand make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Paul lays out the key to accomplishing one’s goals in a metaphor of running a race. He points out that in order to win the race, one needs to prepare and train well. He then relates the race to the goal of seeking and serving Christ as the crown that will last forever. Thus, he encourages that one would run with intentionality and purpose, not metaphorically like a fighter throwing punches wildly in the air. Instead that one would train themselves physically as well, so as to be able to do what one teaches in seeking the prize.
I know that I am in a race to heed and fulfill my call to serve Christ in full-time ministry. It is important that I know my purpose and goals, that I prepare, get equipped and train myself in all that I need to do mentally and physically to fulfill my call. I know that I also need to have a plan and that I need to follow that plan with discipline. As I have the opportunity to lead and teach others, I need to follow along in what I teach and preach.
Dear Lord, thank you for the honor to serve you in fulfill ministry. I pray that you would guide me through the Holy Spirit so that I would run the race you’ve called me to with vision, purpose, training, learning, equipping and discipline. May I know the plans that you have for me and stay on course with that plan.
