“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.”

This past weekend has to be one of the most scheduled across the country for IronMan Triathlons, Ultra-Marathons, Marathons and Half-Marathons. My Facebook Newsfeed was filled with so many friends who were competing and rightfully proud of their results and achievements. We also have now entered into the last month of most companies’ third financial quarter.  It will be a sprint from here to the end of the quarter and then to the end of the year.  At the end of both, there will be many celebrations and recognition for those who have achieved above and beyond the call.  And yes, these challenges, incentives and rewards are all great motivators for performance and alignment.  Setting a deadline and/or finish line can be just what a lot of people need for them to give all they have!

Paul, the athletic-minded Apostle, knew what it felt like to achieve after competing.  But, he also knew enough to warn us that while these crowning achievements feel great today, they don’t last and it is only the crown we receive from our eternal training that matters.  So, today, let’s give it our all for both today and for what awaits us in eternity.

Reference:  1 Corinthians 9:24-25