Father, Son, and Spirit, fill me with the unity of your presence.
“Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win. Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.
So I do not run uncertainly or box like one who hits only air. Instead I subdue my body and make it my slave, so that after preaching to others I myself will not be disqualified.”(1Corinthians 9:24-26)
Paul uses a runner as an illustration to compare to a person’s sharing of the Gospel. A runner does not just go and enter a race, he constantly trains to equip his body and mind for running the race. When a runner enters a race, he does not run whenever he wants and where ever he wants, but at a specific time on a specific course. A runner has a daily structure of training and a schedule to help him be a better runner. We all have structures and schedules we use to makes as better and more efficient at completing a task or competing in something. At work we have time schedules and procedures we follow. We have daily schedule of when we work out at a gym. Our calendars have dates and times scheduled on them to help us complete tasks and requirements. What does your schedule for living out the great commission to make disciples look like? What does your routine for training look like to share the gospel with your neighbors? Open your calendar, besides church on Sundays, what dates and times are marked in it daily that are intentionally set aside for your growth as a Christian? What dates are penciled in for sharing your faith with others?
We understand in every area of our life the need to be intentional, have structure and a schedule to follow to achieve results and goals. How come most do not do that with the thing they claim is most important to them above all else, their faith and walk with Jesus? Yes, so we don’t forget and miss opportunities, to schedule in our calendars our kids and grand kids ball games, doctor appointments and other events, most however do not have scheduled in their calendar weekly days to prayer walk their neighborhood, go to a laundromat, attend a Band Group, or intentionally sharing the Gospel with others.
Paul’s ministry and success in sharing the Gospel with people did not “just happen” when the situation was right. He was successful because he was very ntentional in sharing it, prioritized sharing his faith, and he actively actually went out and shared it with people. You and I will be successful in sharing our love of Jesus if we do the same.
My family, I pray today as you begin your week you will take time to sit, open your calendar, and honestly look at how intentionally you set aside times daily, weekly, and monthly for training and equipping in the Bible, prayer, being in a Band Group, and sharing the Gospel to your neighbors and those in your community. We as Christians claim Jesus is better than anything else so I pray you and your family restructure your calendar to reflect that claim. In jesus’ name. God bless you my friends!
I would love for you to share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.
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