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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“So then, my brothers, we should compete in the games, knowing that the competition is at hand. Many set sail for earthly competitions but not all receive the crown—only those who labor hard and compete well. We should therefore compete that we all may be crowned. And so we should run the straight course, the eternal competition. Many of us should sail to it and compete, that we may receive the crown. And if all of us cannot receive the crown, we should at least come close to it.”
Clement of Rome (A.D. 35-99) in his Second Letter to the Corinthians 7:1-3.
I love how Clement echoes Paul calling us to compete to win, to labor hard, to compete well, to run the straight course in the eternal competition. I return home to Denver this morning thankful for my sister’s aim to run the straight course, the race the Lord has marked out for her, regardless of the outcome of her surgery today.
It inspires me to discipline myself to go and do likewise. What if you choose to do the same thing?
If you are reading this, don’t let strong winds or stormy seas get you off course. Don’t grow weary in doing good. Run the race of life to receive eternal reward from our Lord. And this message fits for our new granddaughter. Meet Eliana “Ellie” Shiloh Hoag. She was born early on 20 April 2024 to our son Sammy and his sweet wife, Emily.
I met Ellie by Facetime yesterday. Jenni and I hope to see her later today. It’s awesome to think that God already knows the race marked out for little Ellie. This is true for Heather, you, and me too!
Father in heaven, hear my prayer for my sister, Heather, who has surgery today to remove a large tumor. Give the doctors wisdom to do pathology work, to determine her prognosis. and give her courage to pursue next steps, whatever they may be. At the same time, thanks for baby Ellie’s safe arrival. Help Heather, Ellie, and each of us run the straight course you have marked out for us to win. Hear my prayer in your mercy in the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.