Medal

Theme:  We run the race to win an everlasting prize.

Scriptures:  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it for a crown that will not last;  but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:25

I have been watching the Little League World Series this past week.  The boys and girls that have been competing are trying to win something like this medal. Players from all over the world are competing to see who is the best in the world..  Only one team can win.  All of the athletes worked very hard, but there can only be one winner.

The Bible says that life is similar to games such as this.  The Bible says that everyone who competes in the games goes into very strict training and works very hard to win a prize.  Some people compete in the game of life for personal gain. Perhaps they do it so that they can become famous, or be very popular, or to make a lot of money.  The Bible says that their prize will not last.  Some people compete in the game of life and work very hard because they love Jesus and want to bring honor to Him.  The Bible tells us that they win a prize that lasts forever.  In the World Series, there can only be one winner, but in the game of life, we can all be winners if we live for Jesus.

Lord, help us to play the game of life in such a way that we will bring honor to you.  Help us to remember that the victory comes from you -- not from ourselves.