Living to Win.

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The boys in this picture are playing a friendly game of soccer.  If they were not playing to win, it wouldn’t be a very interesting game. Can you imagine what it would be like if one team stopped trying? What if they were halfheartedly kicking the ball around watching their opponents score, or helping them? Maybe they kick at the air instead of the ball or begin kicking each other. That’s not a game I would want to take part in playing.

Life is not a friendly game for Christians.  It is a battle.  Are we living our lives to win, or are we politely giving the other side a chance? Are we living disciplined lives or are we too busy kicking each other?

“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. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I beat my body and make it a slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
1 Corinthians 9:25-27 New American Standard Bible

We must discipline ourselves to live out what we believe and then teach it to others. We disqualify the message of the gospel when we choose to continue sinning.  That is helping the other side. Don’t just believe in Christ, live your life for Him.

We thankfully have the gift of the Holy Spirit, our coach, helping us. He reminds us of what Christ said and gives us the strength to resist temptations. If we choose to listen to Him carefully and do as He instructs us, we will be victors.  Do not be disqualified.  Live to win, and while you are winning help others to also get on the winning team.

Text copyright Richelle Hecker
Photo copyright Douglas P. Brauner