“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” (1 Corinthians 9:24).
I don’t know of a single person who wants to be unhappy. I don’t know anyone who desires a miserable life. Every single person I know wants to be happy and live life with joy and purpose.
Everyone wants to win in life. If that is the case, why are so many people unhappy? miserable? Are you happy with the way things are going in your life right now? Are you contented?
God tells us that everyone is running the race of life. If we are going to run the race of life, run in such a way as to get the prize. The key phrase in our verse is “in such a way.” So, what does that mean? What is the key to unlocking a life of joy and purpose? How can we run the race of life “in such a way” as to win the prize?
People I know who are happy have a trait that I do not see in people who are unhappy. People who are happy, joyful, and living life with purpose are people who know how to sacrifice what they want now for what they want eventually. People who are happy, joyful, and living life with purpose know how to live a disciplined life. They are not driven by impulse nor immediate gratification.
Happy, joyful, and purposeful people live with the end in mind. They do what it takes to achieve their goals. They have a plan and they stick to the plan.
Which of these lives describes you? Do you have a goal in mind? Do you have a plan? Are you sticking to the plan?
Happy, joyful, and purposeful people know how to sacrifice what they want now for what they want eventually.
Be clear on your goal. Make a plan. Stick to the plan.
Praxis: Faith in Action 