For Athletes (in Life's Race)

Living in a culture bombarded with sensationalism and a buffet of distractions,

can subtly infiltrate our best intentions. 

On more than one occasion the small group I am part of from our local church 

ponders what living faithfully looks like...it always ultimately comes back to,

not what we do, but Who we do what for. 

The gift of salvation is free but comes with a cost;

to be a living sacrifice!

Rom.12:1

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters,

 in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, 

holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Matt.6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, 

and all these things shall be added to you.

The prizes we pursue are subtly immersed

In what we think and say and do, then hence, who we seek first

For all the poise of words the voice of Choice transcends

The noise of speech, and undergirds what wordless proof defends

To keep perspective true and not fooled by fine lies

Begins with the important Who we put first in our lives

We need no script, well-versed, no proficient prowess

To humbly seek God’s kingdom first; to seek His righteousness

What better way to start the Unknown of Today

Than, with a yielded seeker’s heart, come what-so-ever-may

Then, as we strive toward tomorrow, pray we find

A dearer drive to love the Lord with heart, soul, strength and mind

We, athletes in life's race, are not judged for our speed

We trip and fall and all need God's patient grace to proceed  

But step by step, faith smiles where once more, morning dawns

For, step-by-step turns into miles, and miles to marathons

Until the finish line is crossed; the race complete

(to win this race at all cost is each life's most solemn fete)

To be faithful and true, with every gifted breath

To Jesus who loved/loves me and you, obedient to death 

God, rich in mercy grants redemption for our sins

And with each morning a fresh chance to run as one who wins

Greater is He in us, than all the world times ten

Then pray that we, through Jesus, shine as lights for Him. Amen.

© Janet Martin

1 Cor.9:24-27

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? 

Run in such a way that you may [i]obtain it. 

25And everyone who competes for the prize [j]is temperate in all things. 

Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 

26Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. 

Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

 27But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, 

when I have preached to others, 

I myself should become disqualified.