“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).
The precept here is one of temperance. Become one who is balanced and exercises self-control. Easy to say, but hard to do, it is a journey to take your eyes off of yourself and look to the Lord for all things. Come as one who seeks the Lord earnestly in all things knowing that He alone knows all that is needed. Be guided by the Lord’s hand and He will bring you to where you need to be.
Lord, teach me the wisdom of submission to Your will. Guide me according to Your goodness to see that I need to put all of my effort in one direction, but trust in Your leading alone. Teach me self-control that I would learn these things that are essential to the Christian life. Help me to not treat the race as a competition, per se, but as a personal challenge to finish the race without worrying about where I place.
Lord Jesus, You have come that all of us may be saved. Teach me to live this salvation life such that it is my priority. Guide me according to Your goodness to see that in You is the hope of all. Help me to run the race with all I have and to hold nothing back. Lead me, O Lord in Your goodness to become like You. Through Your Spirit, teach me to strive for those fruits of the Spirit which come through You. Amen.
