Devotional – Gospel Vigor

Devotional

Big picture Just as athletes prepare for competition to win, we must also diligently prepare for the work Christ has for us.

• Q: Have you ever prepared for a sports competition or other competition (chess, builder, etc)?
  • It took time and effort to prepare for that competition didn’t it?
  • Were you preparing to win? Or just hoping to have fun losing?
• In Corinthians, the apostle Paul is writing about the vigor with which he approaches spreading the Gospel.
  • Paul did not always get a positive response when he shared the Gospel of Christ. People even tried to kill him!
  • Just because someone might not have the reaction to the Gospel we hope for, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t share it.
• How each Christian is called to be a witness for Christ is not the same. Someone might be preacher--or they might be an office worker who faithfully demonstrates Christ’s love to their coworkers.
  • How we run the race Christ has for us takes self-discipline. Just like the discipline in preparing for any competition.
  • We should have the same mind-set, the same purpose, the same discipline, to win the race before us.
  • Exactly how God wants you to serve him is unique, and God will show you more as you mature in life.
• But as a boy, you need to focus on your self-discipline now, keeping your body and mind healthy so later as you grow in wisdom and understanding of God, you are prepared to win the prize in the race God has for you.
• We have taught you today many of the skills needed to live a healthy life so you can run your life’s race well.
• Q: Do you have what it takes to be self-disciplined, to capture the prize God has for you? We hope so!
• Just as athletes are careful about eating a balanced diet of good nutrition such as fruits, vegetables, and protein, we need to be diligent about the food we put into our bodies.
• Our bodies also need the good “food” offered by the Bible, fellowship with friends who love God, and good teaching about our faith from parents, teachers and pastors.
  • But never be prideful about your self-discipline, or what prize you seek in life. Comparing yourselves to others, and judging others is wrong. Run your own race well for God.
  • People will be watching you as you run the race God has for you. Your actions will speak louder than any words you say.
• If you run in such a way, being humble and being disciplined, then you can be confident in Christ’s reward for you as ran the race He set before you.