Striving for a Crown
MUSIC BLOG
March 27, 2025
Don’t Worry!
I Corinthians 9
New King James Version
Striving for a Crown
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
We were in staff meeting this week when our pastor shared our devotion from 1 Corinthians. The verses that precede this word describes the Apostle’s desire to become all things to all people that by all means he might win some. And then comes verses 24-27.
I’ve noticed several things as I age. One is that we are no longer in physical peak condition. Our bodies become more difficult to manage as we grow older. It’s more difficult to maintain a healthy weight, a healthy attitude, and a strong physical frame. I realize that sitting too long at a desk is not conducive to building muscle and that muscles are needed to do things I used to take for granted, like getting up and down off of the floor, or standing after a long sit.
Paul was afraid of only one thing, that after he had preached to others, he himself should become disqualified. That is a worthy goal for any Christian. In a few months, I plan on attending my 50th High School reunion. I’ve already contacted a few old friends, and I’m beginning to anticipate seeing everyone. Most of my classmates are retired, I’m still full-time employed. Most of my classmates have grandchildren, I’m still looking forward to that. Paul was on a mission not to let experiences of life, the things that others have gone through or that he went through, get him off his appointed course. Paul was dramatically appointed as the apostle to the Gentiles. In the same way, each of us has been appointed as sent people to a specific area. Unfortunately, most people aren’t aware of that mission and frankly don’t seem to care.
We are finishing the Lenten season and many are counting the days to when they can enjoy the foods or activities that they have given up. There are times when it is great to eat beef instead of fish, or to have an ice cream cone, but there are times when the best we can do is to beat our bodies into submission lest we too fall prey to Satan’s schemes. Like it or not, there is nothing higher on the to do list in Hell than to deceive a believer into acting like the cross doesn’t matter. When we choose to do our own thing instead of submitting to Jesus, we are falling into that evil trap.
Don’t give up. God has great plans for you. You can continue your race even if you have stumbled a bit. Git back up, brush yourself off and rejoin God’s race. The world around you is depending on you.
Blessings