God tells us - “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” (1 Corinthians 9:24). In Hebrews 12:1 “...laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” In 2 Timothy 2:5 God uses another athletic illustration - “if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” Our problem is figuring out “the race that is set before us.” The question is - “Are we still on course?” A follow-up question is - “How are we competing...how great is our commitment to winning the race?”

The goal of every Christian is to lift up, magnify, promote, honor, praise, and acclaim the Lord Jesus Christ. When trying to figure out the “course” for our lives, the 1647 Westminster Confession puts it this way: “What is the chief end of man? Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”

Maybe we need a “course correction.” Maybe we need to see that the goal of our lives is to bring glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. That may involve the redemption of sinners, the sanctification of saints, but these are tangential to the “prize,” namely, lifting up the Son of God. We have to ask ourselves the question, do we see exalting Christ the main purpose of our lives? That prize is what must direct our “course.” Whether it's in our teaching, parenting, mentoring, working, playing...are we running the race with the purpose of lifting up Jesus Christ? Will we remain “unmovable” in our race for the prize even through heartbreak, disillusionment, and tribulation? The answer to that question will determine “how great is our commitment to winning the race.” It is one of those self-diagnostic questions that may require a “course correction.” Etched in my grandfather's pulpit so that he was reminded whenever he preached were these words: “They would see Jesus.” Not a bad reminder for all of us.

My prayer for you and me this day is this...Lord, You are great and greatly to be worshipped and praised. In our evangelism, in our desire for holiness, let us never forget the prize...lifting You up, exalting You. To You be the honor and glory and blessing now and forever. Amen.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.