3 minutes ... go!
So here is the deal everyone ... I have finally recovered from a rough week.  Now let's make it clear ... My rough week had nothing to do with work, it is all based on one decision! (count it ... just one!).  A few months ago I signed up for a race that took place this past Sunday.  This race was part of a team triathlon (swim - 1500 metres, bike - 44 kilometres, run - 10 kilometres).   Now in looking at the distances I am sure some of you have figured out which portion I took on ... the bike!  Needless to say I am finally able to sit down for prolonged periods of time and the sight of a bicycle does not make me cringe ... okay well maybe it does a little!

"This is definitely one of those days that need to finish!"

The scripture that we are looking at today is part of a book filled with lessons that we need to learn in our service to Christ.  The focus however is on the concept of 'The Christian Race'.  Paul wrote a letter to the believers in the Corinth church (Simple bible trivia - What is the name of the letter Paul wrote to the people in Corinth ... hmmm ... Corinthians? ... Correct!).
Corinth was the location for the Isthmian Games, a popular athletic event held every other summer.  Just to give you an idea ... the games were as popular in Corinth as hockey in Canada, American Football, or Soccer (real football) to the rest of the world! 

Anyway, Paul used the importance of this event to explain the responsibilities of a Christian to them (and to us!). 
When I arrived at the triathlon sight, I noticed right away that all the people there were really serious athletes.  They had special bikes, shoes, clothing, food, and drinks that would help them perform better and it was obvious that a lot of them had trained for months for the event.  I heard many of the athletes talking about their times in past events and I discovered that most of the people there were completing all three (3) sections of the triathlon on their own (weirdos).  Most all of them were there to win in their category, to beat personal times from previous events, or to train for a more intense race coming later in the year.

At the end of the race the fastest individuals received prizes and the fastest team also received a prize.  As all of this was happening I was busy questioning why I competed in the first place knowing beforehand that I would probably not win (actually Omari you had absolutely no chance of winning at all!). 

It would take me a lot of training, dedication, and perseverance to get to a level where I would win such an event.  I would have to be consistent in my training, eat properly, and sleep well, in order to prepare my body to become stronger.  It would be difficult but if I wanted to win in a bike race the discipline and self control at all times would be a good thing.  So what exactly is the significance of a race to a Christian?

Consider this - The Christian Race is not like the races and competitions we enjoy and participate in.   Our reward for racing is given to all who seek after it and not just the ones who finish first!

 

 

 

Understand that we all have a great deal of potential in service to Christ ... so much room to grow!
We are in a race and so we all need perseverance in our training as Christians, so that we can become stronger, wiser, and mature followers of Christ.  In fact our reward will not be a pine wreath from the Isthmian Games, or a trophy that we have to dust off every week, or a certificate for that matter.  We will receive a greater reward (incorruptible crown) in Heaven from our God himself!  Praise God Almighty!

Let us train to be ready athletes for our Lord and Saviour.

Alright here is the wrap up:
Question
Think about the things in life that you are 'good' at ... how did you become so good at it anyway?

Points to live by

• The Christian Race rewards all who join with an incorruptible crown.
• God has given us a manual to assist in our training ... you got it ... the BIBLE ... yes that's the book for me!
• RECALL - God will honour the time we spend with Him.

Let's pray:
Lord, I thank you for keeping us for another week.  We ask that you forgive us of our sins this week.  We thank you that you have made a way for us to come to you.  We thank you that in all your holiness you still made a way for us to strengthen our walk with you.  Help us to dedicate our time to worshipping you.  We are NOT too young to honour you and to pay attention to you.  Give us a desire to obtain that incorruptible crown.  In Jesus name ... Amen.

If any of you are interested in the details of my riding experience ... send me an email and I will give you the complete story ... it's pretty funny too!

Until later Omari
youth.unplugged@gmail.com