The following devotional was written by Glenn Mork
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.
As we enter into the regional and state championships of high school sports, we are reminded of the intense competition. High school students train, compete and prepare for what seems like the ultimate prize, State Championship!
As our children were growing up, the pressure to prepare, practice and compete on Sundays was almost overwhelming. Choices were made to avoid teams that required practice and participation in games on Sunday mornings.
As our society further distances itself from the Triune God and the church, our future generation is steadily focusing on the wrong race. There are so many distractions. It’s so tempting to focus on the less important things in life. High school sports can be a wonderful experience. It can be a time of building character. It’s like so many other things in life. If our focus and drive are for the wrong reasons, the end results can be disastrous.
College costs rise at an alarming rate, many college loans are running at 11% interest. Taxes are on the rise and the cost of living is increasing much faster than our wages. Excel in high school sports, practice, practice and more intense practice. Strive for college scholarships and win the prize. Go on to college, prepare, practice and compete, strive for the prize, NCAA Championship!
Reality check, a very small percentage of high school students will ever get the prize. Even if they do, it’s a prize that will fade away. Yet, as parents, we strive. The more focused we get, the less focused we become. Sundays become more about sports and less about God.
Heavenly Father, give us strength and courage to strive for the race Paul is talking about. Help us Lord to focus on the race for eternal life! Help us Lord to speak your Word in such a way that youth will come to know you as Lord and Savior. Help us Lord to equip our youth with Your Word, Your thoughts and Your guidance as they share the gospel with their friends.
We give thanks to you Lord for the AFLC Bible School and Seminary, the students, the faculty and staff. May no-one grow weary, may no-one grow faint as we strive to fulfill your great commission.
We give thanks to you, Lord, for those you have called and sent out. We ask for your wisdom, your strength and your blessings to be upon them. We thank you Lord for those yet to be called.
May we continually be mindful of your call upon our lives, knowing that You have a time and a season for all that You do. Help us Lord, to remain attentive to You. Help us Lord to run the race well. Help us Lord to be trainers of our youth as all of us train for the eternal prize.
