Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? 

So run to win!

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NLT

Paul in this chapter has responded to personal criticism, shared about the lens he wants to be seen through, and now shares some personal insights into his life;

That he shares the same drive and the same disciplines as a top athlete. 

Why?

Because he has a goal he is working towards.

And what is that goal that?

He shares it further on at the end of the next chapter (although some Bible versions start ch12 with this), a goal that Paul repeats in Ephesians 5:1, and it's this:

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:34 NLT

Being like Jesus.

Doing what Jesus did.

That seems to be what Paul trains as hard as an athlete to do. 

He's not saying any of this to guilt trip us or tell us what we have to do, just encouraging us to be more like Jesus.

It's like being with an athlete who says "no thanks" to extra food or "I'm going home to get some sleep because I'm training for a goal", and I can be inspired to be more like that person. 

Paul says to be more like me cos I'm just trying to be more like Jesus. 

#corinthians

#livingonpurpose

#inallthisyouaredearlyloved