Practice Makes Progress
Devotional
READ: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I grew up playing several sports, and with three siblings who also played sports, we were always on a court, in a pool, or at a field. We enjoyed the bright lights of the big games but understood the importance of the practice required to win them. Consistent, intentional practice was the hallmark of quality players and teams who had a chance to win it all.
Not realizing it then, I learned an important lesson. Practice is important. And to take it one step further, being dedicated to practice is essential for success. Dedication prepares us to face obstacles that may trip us up. Today, connecting this life lesson to more than just a game is easy. When I am more dedicated and disciplined in my spiritual walk, I’m more prepared for the demanding race of life. Marriage, kids, work, death of a friend or family member, depression, stress of paying bills; this side of Heaven is hard. Throughout my life, I’ve tried doing it on my own and not seeking the Lord; life only got more challenging. What are we to do? How can we find joy in the valley? Thankfully, we have hope through Jesus! The more dedicated we are to practicing our faith and growing our relationship with Jesus, the more prepared we will be for Satan’s attacks.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul writes to the church in Corinth, which would be familiar with the Isthmian games. This was the Corinthian version of the Olympics, which took place every two years. Those original readers would quickly grasp the illustration of the dedication it took to prepare for the race, enduring months of rigorous training for a chance to win the prize. Equal commitment will be needed from us as we pursue Christ. Throughout the training process and during the main Isthmian event, athletes could be disqualified from the race. In our pursuit of Christ, we, too, can be “tripped up” by choosing a life of sin or willfully neglecting active sin.
Luckily, we have Good News! Christ, living a sinless and blameless life, died for our sins, reconciling us to God to have eternal life. We have already won the ultimate prize, and we could never earn it by our actions or lose it once we’ve won it. In this hope and freedom, we are called to be transformed through our relationship with Christ and to pursue a life that gives glory and honor to God. This means we must be dedicated to practicing our faith and running the spiritual race.
I grew up playing several sports, and with three siblings who also played sports, we were always on a court, in a pool, or at a field. We enjoyed the bright lights of the big games but understood the importance of the practice required to win them. Consistent, intentional practice was the hallmark of quality players and teams who had a chance to win it all.
Not realizing it then, I learned an important lesson. Practice is important. And to take it one step further, being dedicated to practice is essential for success. Dedication prepares us to face obstacles that may trip us up. Today, connecting this life lesson to more than just a game is easy. When I am more dedicated and disciplined in my spiritual walk, I’m more prepared for the demanding race of life. Marriage, kids, work, death of a friend or family member, depression, stress of paying bills; this side of Heaven is hard. Throughout my life, I’ve tried doing it on my own and not seeking the Lord; life only got more challenging. What are we to do? How can we find joy in the valley? Thankfully, we have hope through Jesus! The more dedicated we are to practicing our faith and growing our relationship with Jesus, the more prepared we will be for Satan’s attacks.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul writes to the church in Corinth, which would be familiar with the Isthmian games. This was the Corinthian version of the Olympics, which took place every two years. Those original readers would quickly grasp the illustration of the dedication it took to prepare for the race, enduring months of rigorous training for a chance to win the prize. Equal commitment will be needed from us as we pursue Christ. Throughout the training process and during the main Isthmian event, athletes could be disqualified from the race. In our pursuit of Christ, we, too, can be “tripped up” by choosing a life of sin or willfully neglecting active sin.
Luckily, we have Good News! Christ, living a sinless and blameless life, died for our sins, reconciling us to God to have eternal life. We have already won the ultimate prize, and we could never earn it by our actions or lose it once we’ve won it. In this hope and freedom, we are called to be transformed through our relationship with Christ and to pursue a life that gives glory and honor to God. This means we must be dedicated to practicing our faith and running the spiritual race.
Personal Reflection
What does your spiritual training look like? Are you preparing yourself to run the race? For those around you (spouse, kids, family, neighbors, etc . . .), how are you encouraging and helping them prepare to “run the race”?
Posted in UR Devotionals
No Comments