In it to win it !

“ And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things .
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown , but we are incorruptible”.
1 Corinthians 9: 25.



In every race , there are three distinct group of participants :
Those who are in it for the sheer fun of being part of the race; those who are in the race to finish the race , just ; with no intention of wining any medals and those who are in the race to win the race.
Not only to win it , but to do so in record time and with a gold medal show for it !
One could say each of the groups ; after the race, would go home happy, because they would get what they desired in the end!
True . You could decide to be a clown and jog lightly on a fund-raising race because all you promised your sponsors was to participate and reach the FINISH line.
How and when you get to the finish line is irrelevant !

People would give various excuses why they cannot find time to train and prepare for a race. So they enter a race unprepared with weak muscles !
Just as some would give excuses why they "just want to make heaven only "; but are not interested in winning any “ stars and crowns” , when they get to heaven !
Then they trudge along in the Race of Life with weak spiritual muscles ; falling and rising or even failing to rise and quitting the Race , outright!

There are are different types of races to be ran and won in life .
The purpose and the rewards for the race would determine the seriousness of the preparations for the race .
For your local bowling club’s charity fete , a jog- walk would do to complete the 200 metres charity dash.
But if you came face to face with a charging lion ; you would surprise yourself at the world records you would break to run , jump and swim for your life ; far away from danger!
When and if your life depends on a race , you would be in it to win it , at all cost!
“I therefore so run , not as uncertainly, so fight I , not as one that beateth the air : But I keep under my body , and bring it under subjection; lest that by any means , when I have preached to others , I myself should be a cast away.”
1 Corintians 9: 26,27
Be alert and focused ; even with the intention to win the one important Race of your life - the Race for the Salvation of your soul , leading to Eternal Life!
Many had started the Race with lofty intentions and aims but fell by the way side because they trusted in their own strength and understanding.
Turning back is NOT an option and it is not OUR PORTION .
By strength shall no man prevail for the Race is not to the swift , nor the battle to the strong .
For “a strong intention” is not the qualification or currency for medals in this Race ; GRACE and FAITH are .
“Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back , my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
But we are not of them that draw back unto perdition ; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul ”.
Hebrews 10: 38, 39.