The Prize

How’s your year shaping up? Reaching your goals? Hitting the mark? Most companies have monthly, quarterly and yearly goals, something to spur us toward the right direction. Goals are a measuring stick to show us where we are on that pathway of success. Isn’t that the point?

OR, is that all there is?? The Bible speaks about prizes and goals. “I press toward the goal for the prize… [i]  This passage talks about pressing toward something—running swiftly in order to catch something; to pursue—eagerly seek, endeavor to acquire s.o.m.e.t.h.i.n.g.

So, what IS it that you run after every day? A person? That deal? Employment? Of course, we must have income to live, but that is not the point today. The prize and pursuit I refer to is something greater that encompasses all of life,  it is the overarching goal and pursuit of your life. How would you describe the pursuit in your life? Do a mental review about your random thoughts. Is there one topic, or theme or focus?   

When my mother-in-law died, I looked at her body lying cold in a casket, and wondered: what did all her energies and sacrifices count for now? What difference did her like make?  All the stuff—what good is it now; what is life all about?  Even life successes and accolades count little at such times.  I realized the most difficult choice of life was discerning good from the most valuable.

“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.”[ii]   God also says, “Keep my commands so you may have life, and obey my instruction as your most prized possession”[iii]

According to the Bible, there are only two spiritual forever families: those born into God’s family, and everyone else. Birth establishes relationship, even in God’s family. It’s not about religion. Now you know the path toward the prize!

If you have questions, I’m always available!

By Anita Onarecker Wood, Christian Minister and Author