I Corinthians 9:24 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.
On the Sunday before Memorial Day for the past several years our congregation participates with three others in what we call the Community Freedom Celebration. It is an outdoor worship service followed picnic food and games. We honor a few folks from the community for their service. In years past it has been police, first responders, etc. This year we honored three coaches from the high schools for their work with young athletes. Of course, that reminded me of Paul’s words above. Top class athletes have coaches and team trainers and personal trainers and sports psychologists. Those of us who are endeavoring to follow Christ have the Bible and preachers and books and videos and podcasts. And we have each other. The author of Ecclesiastes noted, “The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong” (9:11). I guess part of the issue is just knowing if we are running the right race, that is, doing what Christ is calling us to do in our time and place. On Memorial Day we remember those who ran their race with dedication and honor to their finish line. As we remember them, may God give us the grace to do the same.
Logan Memorial Presbyterian Church 