A Prize Worth Fighting For (Day 12)
Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified… – 1 Cor 9:26-27
In this passage of scripture Paul highlights key features of a championship, some of which we have been exploring for the past eleven days. Today we want to look at one more feature, probably the most important one: A prize. But not just any prize, a prize worth fighting for, one which Paul describes as ‘a crown that is imperishable’. The imperishable nature of this prize is what makes it such a sought after end, for we are all acquainted with the finite nature of things in this life.
In every championship there is a prize to look forward to, the championship of faith is no different. A prize in a competition is very important, for it is often the driving force behind all that the champion does. Have you ever tried exercising with no goals, walking with no destination or doing a task without understanding why you’re doing it? Well if you have then you would understand that aimless activities don’t last. If we have nothing to look forward to, like weight loss, an interesting destination, a cheque or a feeling of accomplishment, chances are we will not be motivated enough to continue the task. In the same way God has provided us with the ultimate motivation to stay in the championship: a prize worth fighting for.
The presence of a worthy prize makes the difference between the fighter who stays down and is counted out and the fighter who struggles to his feet, regardless of how much effort it requires or how much it hurts to do so. It is why we enter the championship of faith and brave the risks and make the sacrifices.
The champions of the old testament like David, Joseph, Abraham, Moses all had a prize worth fighting for, a prize that though they did not see it in their lifetime, propelled them towards performing some of the greatest feats ever. Pushing towards the day when the promise of the coming messiah would be revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
Regarding this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace of God searched carefully and inquired… it was revealed to them that their services were not (meant) for themselves and their time, but for you.. 1 pet 1:10-12 (AMP)
David looked forward eagerly to the coming of Jesus, Abraham saw a nation in his only son, Joseph, holding fast to the promises of God to his people, asked that his bones be taken with them out of Egypt upon their exodus. Everything that the champions of old did pointed to the work of Jesus Christ which we are now blessed to partake of, and this work of Jesus points us to an even greater prize, a prize worth fighting for, a prize worth losing for. Peter described this prize as ‘an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:4). In this life many pursue prizes that rust and rot and fade with time, they pursue it with such fervor even at the expense of relationships, pleasure and health, how much are we, who have a prize that outlasts our time on this earth, willing to sacrifice?
The beauty of this prize is that it’s not just about possession, it’s about restoration. This inheritance that is promised to those of us who believe is about relationship and fellowship with God, His son and His Holy Spirit in a way that we were initially meant to. Just as the champions of old looked forward to the coming of the Messiah, we look forward to the return of Him as King.
As you enter the championship of faith remember that a champion:
1. Has a firm foundation (Jesus Christ)
2. Has a cause (e.g Joseph’s cause for purity and family, David’s cause for honour and justice, Paul’s cause for the salvation of the Gentiles)
3. Works with a training regimen (Is deliberate about prayer, bible study, discipleship and evangelism)
4. Has Supporters/A team
5. Has Opponents (the enemy of our souls, the enemy within and the enemies around us)
7. Is specially equipped
8. A prize worth fighting for
Assess your walk with God, are you equipped for the championship of faith, or are you safely standing on the sidelines? Know this, in the championship of faith the sidelines is no option, for we all must run, we all must enter the fight, our cause may be great or small in the sight of others but in the sight of God every cause is necessary to the advancement of the kingdom of God. So will you stand up for what is sacred to God (purity, love, marriage, mercy, peace, family, the church/fellowship of believers, the salvation of souls, justice)? Will you put in the time of training to ensure you are equipped for the tasks your cause brings? Will you face your enemies rather than cower in fear? Risking safety, comfort or life? Will you get up no matter how many times you may fall? This is what it means to be a champion of today, will you enter the arena? But more importantly… will you stay to the end?
Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord (always doing your best and doing more than is needed), being continually aware that your labor (even to the point of exhaustion) in the Lord is not futile nor wasted (it is never without purpose). – 1 Cor 15:58 (AMP).
Be a blessing
KellyP
This brings us to the end of the ‘Champions of today’ Series, I do hope that it has encouraged you as it has encouraged me. Writing this has been a journey for me as well, for a do not claim to excel in these areas, which I find is impossible to attain without the help of God. Regardless, my heart’s desire is that I too may not be disqualified for the prize and so I press towards becoming a worthy contender. It is said of A.W Tozer (one of my favourite theological writers), that he could forgive anyone whose heart’s intent was to honour and know God, maybe because he understood that victory is sure for the one whose heart is set on pleasing God. My best advice to you in the wake of this series, is to start with opening your heart to God and a desperate pursuit of knowing Him.
I do hope that you will continue to show your support to the blog site, you can stay in touch by filling out the subscription field in the right hand corner of the page or like the Facebook page. If you have any questions/comments you can comment below or send me a direct message using the ‘contact me’ page. God bless you!
Kelly is the founder of Royalty Press United. Author of the Gemstone Royals fantasy series, Twist of Faith and Crossroads. Counseling psychologist, proud Grenadian and devoted follower of Christ.
You must be logged in to post a comment.