1 Corinthians 9:24-27

"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; we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

This is my favorite Bible passage. It has had special meaning to me since I first read it in high school, but lately it has taken on even more significance.

We are all engaged in a race. The race is life. There is only one way to win the race, and that is to live for Jesus Christ. Everyone who competes is trying hard to win something. Most are aiming for prizes that do not last. Whether it be success in finance, athletics, politics, business, or relationships, all of these are temporary prizes. They do not last. Paul encourages us to live for prizes that last forever. The only things that last forever are those things that we accomplish for God, most importantly living for Jesus and leading other people to Him.

Paul tells us that he does not run aimlessly or fight like a man beating the air. He is telling us to stay focused and not waste our time on things that are not forwarding our cause. A man who runs aimlessly has no destination, no goal. Paul encourages us to stay focused on the prize. A fighter who beats the air is expending a lot of energy, without having any effect. Paul tells us to make sure our punches are connecting so that we do waste our time and efforts on ineffective activities.

Finally, Paul says that he beats his body and makes it his slave, so that after preaching to others he is not disqualified from the prize. He is telling us that we must become disciplined and exhibit self-control. We need to gain control over our bodies so that we do not fall into temptations and get sidetracked by distractions that keep us from the eternal prizes we seek. If we can discipline ourselves and stay focused on Christ, we will live life to its fullest, running to win the prize, and we will be eternally rewarded at the finish line.