Run in Such a Way

Written by Suzanne Benner

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“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)

I’m not a runner, but the picture Paul paints of an athlete captures my imagination.

“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.” (1 Corinthians 9:25)

I know what it is like to sacrifice in order to accomplish a goal, to scrimp and save, to spend hours studying, to labor for weeks on a project, to imagine and then create.

Anything worthwhile takes effort. If work is done haphazardly, or thoughtlessly, or sloppily, it is visible in the end result.

Paul urges us to remember that principle and apply it to our spiritual lives.

We are called to purposefully pursue a life pleasing to God, not only purposefully, but fervently and diligently.

I say to my kids, “Do your best.” The Bible exhorts us to “Make every effort.”

Make every effort to enter through the narrow door (Luke 13:24)

Make every effort to do what leads to peace (Romans 14:9)

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3)

Make every effort to live in peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14)

Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; (2 Peter 1:5)

Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with [God] (2 Peter 3:14)

You are in a race. Make every effort. Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Holy God, thank you for reminding me how important my spiritual journey is. May I pursue You and Your righteousness with all that I am.

Questions: Where have you become lazy in regard to your spiritual race? Do you put more importance on being diligent in earthly things, than spiritual things? If so, why?

About this Author: Suzanne Benner

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, God of Hope, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Tags: Devotional, diligence, effort, purpose, righteousness, running, spiritual disciplines, Suzanne Benner, training, Women

4 Responses to “Run in Such a Way”

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sharon b says:

March 21, 2009 at 10:33 am

kanj thank you for your kind words they mean a lot
kanj says:

March 20, 2009 at 5:26 pm

Suzanne, thank you for the devotional. the question for me is, ”where have I not become lazy in regards to this wondrous journey?” I’v lived 50 years now but to say that 48 of those years were living would be false. I WAS merely existing. I find that fear of disappointment sometimes hovers over me because if one has lived in disappointment after disappointment for so many years, and then all of a sudden transforming to God, it’s an adjustment. the Holy Spirit keeps me in check and through a daily feed of His Word, I soon discover where I’v been lazy. I don’t feel like the turtle in this spiritual race anymore but I know I’m not ready to run like the hare either.
Sharon b: as Suzanne says and I encourage you as well, don’t give up, don’t ever give up. I’m in constant awe of God’s grace and mercy through trials and the joyous times in my life. I was ready to give up many times, weary and then I’d pray a simple prayer, just saying, ”Help me Jesus”. I’m still here, still making lazy happen, but I know I’m not alone. Praise be to God.
Suzanne B says:

March 18, 2009 at 2:58 pm

I appreciate your simple and sincere comments, Sharon. I need to make every effort to do what leads to peace. May I encourage you not to give up, but to keep on calling on the Holy Spirit for the strength you need each day.
sharon b says:

March 18, 2009 at 1:50 pm

i know that i need to spend more quiet time with our Lord and am trying to do better