RUN WITH PURPOSE
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).
It’s important that from time to time, you appraise yourself to be sure you’re focused on that which the Lord has called you to do. Each one of us has a unique purpose and destiny to fulfil in Christ and one day, we’llgive account to the Lord for all that we did while on earth.
According to the Scriptures, those who have done well will receive praise of Him; they’ll be rewarded. That’s why the Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, encourages us in 1 Corinthians 9:24, saying, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”
Life is a race, and in this race of life, you’re to run in such a way as to win the prize. Run with purpose. Don’t live like it doesn’t matter. The Amplified Classic version of the scripture above says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours.”
Run with the resolve to triumph gloriously and finish your course with joy. Remember part of Paul’s valedictory admonition in 2 Timothy 4:5; he said, “…Watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” He could confidently give such inspiring counsel because that was his testimony. He ran with purpose and made full proof of his ministry.
Paul finished his race gloriously and testified, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
We’re on this journey for a more profound purpose. Keep this truth constantly before you and it’ll serve as a guiding light in the way you live your life. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear Father, I’m passionately dedicated and committed to fulfilling your purpose for my life and finishing my course gloriously. I run this race with diligence, living in your Word and guided by your wisdom to produce eternal fruits and works of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV 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. 25 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. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 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.
Colossians 3:23-24 And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 AMPC For I am already about to be sacrificed [my life is about to be poured out as a drink offering]; the time of my [spirit’s] release [from the body] is at hand and I will soon go free. 7 I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. 8 [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day–and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return).
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Acts 12 & Nehemiah 4-6
2-Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Corinthians 9:1-10 & Isaiah 14