Run to Win the Prize with the Right Motivation

Matthew 6:10; “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

I’m sure that we all have watched the Olympic Games at some point in our lifetime. Every nation who wish to participate in the games send contestants to compete. Each competitor works hard, and go all out with the goal of winning a prize. At the end of each game, the top three contestants are publically recognized, and awarded medals on the basis of their standing. Many of us remember Abhinav Singh Bindra, the Indian shooter, who won the gold medal in the 10 m Air Rifle event, in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He was the first Indian ever to win a gold medal for India at the Olympic Games. And it brought great pride to the hearts of every Indian in the world as he received the gold medal. In fact, many viewers even shed tears of joy, along with Mr. Bindra, as the music was played.

However, it was interesting to note that Mr. Bindra, who received the gold medal for this particular event, had absolutely no say in the choice of the song played at “his” award ceremony. The International Olympic Committee had already made the decision on what would be played. The music that echoed in the stadium, and throughout the world, as he stood on the victory stand, was the Indian National Anthem. Even though he competed individually for the event, the victory was not about him. It was part of a bigger picture, and under a bigger banner. Since he was representing India, the national anthem of India was played for the whole world to hear. Moreover, when he returned home, India proudly recognized his accomplishment. I am yet to hear of Mr. Bindra, or for that matter, any Olympian, raising an issue with the International Olympic Committee, and working towards changing this policy.

How humbling it is to know that the God of the universe has chosen us to be in His kingdom. Let us run the race in such a way that we may obtain the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24). May the lyrics of the song that motivate us to run be, “Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” May our eyes capture a glimpse of the moment He awards us our prize, and may our ears hear the anthem of His praise resound throughout eternity. So that, we will sing with all the saints, “Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:13)”

Stephen Thomas (Bobby)

Stephen is an ordained Christian Minister and a Bible teacher who is a mentor to several youth leaders in Crossway Church and around the globe. He is a regular visiting Speaker in Crossway Church, New Delhi. He can be reached at stephenthomas6400@hotmail.com