July 18

So run, that ye may obtain. — 1 Cor 9:24

Christian life is not meant to be easy. We must pay the price for any success we may achieve.

The schoolboy, if he would win honors, must work hard for them. In the ancient games those who ran in the race bent every energy to reach the goal. Those who were to take part in athletic contests of any kind prepared for the struggle by the most rigorous self–discipline, so that their bodies might be strong for whatever they would do.

Paul, however, is not giving advice, nor laying down rules for athletes, but uses these contests to illustrate what the Christians must do. He will meet temptations at every point. But temptations are not meant to be danger–points in life – they are meant to be opportunities for growing strong.

We must make up our mind to the fact that the harder our struggles are, the greater honor and power are set before us to be won. And there will come to us no temptation but such as we can bear, and God will help us always to be victorious.