The Prize

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14, ESV)

What’s in it for me? What do I get out of it? Have you ever heard these questions before? I clearly remember asking those questions when I was younger. Strangely enough, I still sometimes ask today but maybe not out loud. It looks as though this way of thinking is very present; many people seem to need a reward to motivate them.

Would it be safe to say that almost everyone wants a prize, a victory or a feeling of success? The HOW is what has changed. This is what the world wants us to think: we need to be rewarded for what we do ~ we should never go out of our way or go the extra mile unless we can get something out of it for ourselves. We need to look out for self and make sure we have enough.

Where did this thinking come from? How did we get to this level of selfishness? What happened to caring and sharing and carrying one another’s burdens?

I am probably preaching to the choir, but it still rings true. Have become withdrawn and distanced ourselves from a simpler, more loving life? Once upon a time we cared, but little by little, that feeling for “others” has been chipped away and our focus is self.

Has our prize changed? Are we seeking titles, money in the bank, beautiful homes and the newest cars?

I am happy to report that our spiritual prize has not been altered one iota since the beginning of time. Regardless of trends, wars, diseases, natural disasters and man-made ones, we know that the foundation of the world stands sure! My friends, we are heaven bound and with that as our focus, we can complete our days without worldly rewards. The final prize is to step from this life into the arms of an all-loving Father and hear Him say, “Well done!” Now that is one serious goal and glorious “prize”.

At the end of our lives, there will be no trophies, no ticker-tape parades, no press conferences but heaven will open its doors to us and the angels will rejoice.

Tell me, which would you rather have?

Prize Worth Fighting For with Jamie Kimmett

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life. Teach me to not look to the world to receive affirmation as I draw near the finish line. AMEN.