“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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1Corinthians 9:24-27 TNIV)

There is not another scripture about living and serving as a minister that speaks as powerfully to me as as 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

Everyday there is another story about a minister packing it in or leaving full-time ministry. That’s not the story I want to tell my grandkids. I plan to be in this for the long haul and this passage gives me a workable game plan to run the race to completion.

Run in such a way as to get the prize. Ministry is a marathon and not a sprint. Long nights, little encouragement, and aimlessness is a great way to get burned out and off course. Understanding that the journey is long and listening to those who are running ahead of me allow for me to pace myself. I am thankful to the coaches in my life- those ministers and teachers who have given me the tools and taught me habits to help me minister to the best of my ability from the healthiest place in my heart and mind that I can.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Just as an Olympic athlete trains for the games I have to train for my ministry. Spending time in God’s word gives me the endurance and the focus of purpose that will help me fall deeper in love with Jesus and his ways.

I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. I want to leave a legacy for Jesus Christ to the generation I leave behind but not at the expense of my own soul. Soul training makes sure that I am growing in my faith and my reliance on Jesus.

What are you doing to prepare for the ministry God has given you? I want to put forth the same challenge that Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians:

Run Your Race- be the best minister you can.
Get Fit- Work out those spiritual muscles. Allow the Holy Spirit to be your personal trainer and dive deep into the Word of God. Get you lungs in shape and pray boldly to your Heaven Father.
Stay Strong- Don’t minister out of your leftovers. Give God your best, don’t forget about your own soul, and finish the race!