Day 87: Marathons are long. Eternity is longer.

Today’s Big Idea: Run with purpose

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:26

Passage of the day: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Thoughts to consider: The amount of training it takes to make it to the Olympics is astounding. The discipline, dedication, and sacrifice one must endure is not easily accomplished. In fact, many scholars believe the ancient Olympians are who Paul was referring to in today’s passage of scripture. Those winners would receive a laurel (leafy) crown as their prize. Yet how often do we see people putting more time, energy, and passion into earthly pursuits that will fade away, but give little attention to where they will spend eternity? It’s the same when the focus of our ministry, project or community is to be well-known or bigger than another. The goal should never be temporal. Our goals are bigger and more long-term than that. We must pursue ministry, projects and communities with eternity in mind. We must run this race with purpose.