Saturday was part 2 of our Ultimate Fighter series. In 2 Timothy 2, Paul gives 3 pictures of what a follower of Jesus is to be like. The first is a soldier. The second is an athlete.
An athlete lays it on the line for their sport and the prize that awaits the winner. They put their body through pain, working out, eating right. They sacrifice relationships and the things the rest of take for granted so they can be the best at their sport. They push through injuries, pain, setbacks and losses all for the goal of winning the prize.
Paul says in verse 5 that we are to be like athletes. We are to be focused on the prize at the end. The prize for a follower of Jesus comes in verse 12, we will reign with Christ. The problem for many followers of Jesus and the reason many lack focus and purpose is because they have uncertainty on what the prize is.
Like an athlete, our lives are to revolve around Jesus and his call on our lives. We are to sacrifice everything because of this and the prize that awaits. We are to keep our eyes on the prize, through the highs and lows.
