Exhortation to Mastery

Call To Prayer

Title: Striving for Mastery

By: Simon Maina Nuhu

Date: 24.11.2023

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may
obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a
corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

To be a master in what one does is part of the ultimate route to perfection. Mastery in one’s field of endeavor commands flawless result due to commitment and passionate devotion. The athletes and other sportsmen engage in strenuous and excruciating training that prepare them for the hard competition ahead. They do that with enthusiasm because they well are aware of the goal and glory which compensate the pains of the rigorous practices. The honor that comes with being a champion in whatever competition is dignifying and therefore is worth all the efforts put into the eventual success. Yet these all amount to a corruptible crown !

Similarly, in the Kingdom of God we are like athletes in a stern purposeful pathway to eternal glory.  The rewards are far more than the earthly after enduring afflictions(2 Corinthians 4:17). Even there are quite a lot of challenges that come our way; persecution, fighting the pleasure of the flesh, battling the world and struggling with our adversary the Devil. Nevertheless, we are expected to focus on the heavenly glory that rots not nor perish. Apostle Paul was exhorting the Corinthians and likewise we the contemporary chosen children of the Most high that we should not lose focus on the race as we will obtain an incorruptible reward (crown) for running the race so well. In Marathon race, everybody participates in the initial stage but only few or one emerges champion.

Beloved in the Lord, following God comes with extreme conditions to be met!; they could be severe and expose us to harsh criticism which we ought to painstakingly persevere with tolerance for the eventual prize is eternal. We are to strive as the Kingdom of God suffers violence and only the violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12). Yet all this is possible by the power of God at work in us (Philippians 4:13, Philippians 2:13).

Prayer point:

Let’s thank God for the word today. Let’s also ask Him to give us more courage and endurance to run our race so well.