Spiritual Get-Up-and-Go

Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. — I Corinthians 9:24 (NRSV)

In my devotion I wrote about faithfulness in service, and I continue to evaluate my life and examine how I am able to live out my faith.

I attended an ice skating competition, and I was amazed at the athletic ability of the skaters. They spun on the ice. They did amazing jumps. The men lifted their partners above their heads as they skated.

I sat in the stands eating popcorn and watching in awe. Watching was easy, it required very little effort on my part. I can only imagine the strict training, the daily discipline, and the perseverance it took to become the accomplished athletes I watched.

The same can be said for faith. What kind of effort am I putting into my spiritual life? Am I merely an onlooker giving minimal effort, watching or reading about persons of spiritual get-up-and-go? I do not want to be only a fan of Christ. I want to find ways to practice my faith. I want to gain strength and wisdom, but also the peace and assurance of God’s love. That is the prize Christ offers us today. Today is the day to evaluate my spiritual get-up-and-go.