July 19, 2010
1 Corinthians 9
Pastor Jeff Allen
“Invictus” is a movie based on events in South Africa before and during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. It’s about an African rugby team that helps to bring a nation together by doing what they did best, playing rugby.
The team was not expected to make it past the quarterfinals, yet emerged in the final game against an “invincible” opponent. During overtime of that championship match, the South African captain asked his teammates, “Who’s most in shape on this field?”
You see, the South Africans had practiced harder. In fact, they were in the best shape. They won the prize that day.
Paul wrote about athletes in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. “Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should…” (NLT)
It can be easy to forget that we are on God’s team. We wear His colors, bear His mark, use His team name (Christian, Christ follower, Disciple…), practice in His house (Church) and ultimately represent Him when we win. However, if we represent Him when we win, the same is true if we lose.
I’ve never been a person who said, “It’s okay that we lost today.” I’ve always gone back and looked at what could have been done differently. If it’s softball, soccer or an egg-eating contest, I want to win.
I don’t want my eternal life to be any different. I want to win. I want to be more in shape through prayer, Word, worship and a strong relationship with my God, my Coach who guides me in this life. I want that prize!
How about you? Do you want the prize…and how much do you want it?
After serving as a staff pastor in Colorado, Jeff Allen’s ministry at Grace Covenant Church focuses upon 3rd, 4th and 5th graders and their parents through “The Studio.”
