April 18, 2020 Higher Everyday Devotional :- EMULATE SPORTING ETHIC
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HIGHER EVERYDAY
SATURDAY APRIL 18, 2020
EMULATE SPORTING ETHIC
TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 9:23-27
MEMORY VERSE: “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. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air” (1 CORINTHIANS 9:25, 26).
Every athlete goes through personal and group preparations before competitions. Skills are acquired and developed through such regular exercises. His daily dream is to win in every competition. He deliberately keeps his eating habits under control. He forsakes many legitimate normal life patterns. He regulates his time of leisure, sleep, visitations and phone calls. An athlete, during competitions, neither minds the applause of well-wishers nor the booing from opposing crowd. He is entirely focused on the games and the rules.
If you want good success at school, you must be like an athlete. You must discipline yourself to adjust to rigorous work – reading and studying before examinations. You must keep to a workable timetable and study all relevant books.
The Christian race is compared to that of the athlete. You strive to master the word of God with total obedience. Self-control keeps you from sin and distraction of fans and foes. Be determined to run the race to finish well and strong. Never give heed to the clouds of challenges. According to Winston Churchill, “Difficulties mastered are opportunities won”.
QUOTE: Self-control keeps you from sin.
CHALLENGE: Success is born out of diligent work.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to diligently pursue my goals.