Running the Race 1

Scripture Reading:

• 1 Corinthians 9:24 - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the

prize? So run that you may obtain it.

• Philippians 3:13 - Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do:

forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead

• Luke 9:62 - Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the

kingdom of God.”

Thought:

If you are playing in an important tournament and hope to be successful, you will be intentional

in preparing for it. If you are able, you may play the course beforehand, and take notes, to ensure you

are prepared for every hole. The night before, even if your friends are going to a concert of a band you

really like, you stay home to ensure you are well rested. The morning of the tournament your bag is

already packed, so you don’t have to rummage around for your discs and supplies. If you are intentional

leading up to the tournament, there is a much better chance that you will perform well.

Paul in 1 Corinthians 9 talks about the importance of being intentional in his relationship with the

Lord. In Philippians 3, Paul also talks about straining, or putting effort into growing in the Lord. Jesus

even speaks to this in Luke 9, talking about not looking back when we turn our lives over to Him.

There are many distractions in this world that can keep us from fully being the person God created

us to be. What the world has to offer is not always bad, but it pales to what the Lord has to offer and can

distract us from the greater goal. The only way to ensure we are growing in the Lord is to be intentional

in developing and growing that relationship. This can be difficult and demanding, but if our goal is

developing our eternal relationship with the Lord, we will not allow temporary things of this world to keep

us from reaching that goal.

Reflection 1: When I look back on my day, where was most of my time spent? Did that time help me

grow in the Lord?

Reflection 2: Am I taking my relationship with the Lord for granted, or am I investing my energy in knowing

Him?

Prayer: Lord, thank-you that I may have a relationship with You through Jesus. I pray that through Your

Holy Spirit, I would be able to intentional in developing that relationship. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen!

Contributed by: Dean Langenhahn | PDGA #208802