By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  June 18, 2020

Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

Lots of people today are racing. They are chasing down a career or running after the latest and greatest stuff. Others are chasing down anything that will help their children succeed, at the cost of their spiritual well-being. When the world behaves this way, it’s not surprising, but when Christians do it, it’s a tragedy.

Christians are in a race, too, but rather than chasing personal glory, we are to seek God’s glory through humble stewardship. That’s how Paul described his life and ministry. He said he was willing to go to any length, go any distance, and endure any hardship. He was willing to persevere through any indignity, cope with any harassment, and stoop to any level in order to win people to Christ. Paul understood that at the end of the day, all that matters will be what we did for Christ. He was in the right race, and he ran the race to get the prize.

We, too, are in this race, but unlike this world’s races, we do not compete against one another. We are competing against obstacles, against temptations that we face, and against the enemy of our souls. God does not just want one of His children to be a winner; He wants all of His children to be winners. Every single one. So, let God take hold of your race. It is the longing of His heart.

Prayer: Jesus, give me the strength to run after You. Grant me the will and focus to overcome temptations and the attacks of the enemy by Your Spirit. I know You sustain me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24).