RUNNING THE RIGHT RACE (2). - THE DEMANDS OF THE EARTHLY RACE.

RUNNING THE RIGHT RACE (2). - THE DEMANDS OF THE EARTHLY RACE.

 

1 Cor. 9:19-27; 2Tim 4:5-8;

 

Man is naturally wired to succeed in life irrespective of who you are and where you come from. Nature fights against inactivity, redundancy and sluggishness which are anti-success actions.

This explains why patients who are tied down on the bed soon develop bed sores and those who are less active also begin to degenerate in health.

Every idea and initiative we need to succeed is installed in us. We believe in prosperity and teach it with every Biblical instruction it deserves. God made an analogy in Isaiah 1:3

The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

The ox and ass are considered to be two animals with the lowest IQ (Intelligence quotient).

In real life, the expression as dumb as an ass is used to convey its reputation in reasoning. Yet in this beautiful illustration in the race of life these two animals are said to know who feeds them which is essential and critical to their success story.

 

We shall consider three key factors we all need to run the earthly race with success. They include though not limited to

 

One of the most disciplined professions in the world is sports. Olympia, Athens, Sparta and Corinth were major city-states in the ancient Greece. The first Olympic games took place in Olympia. These cities knew the technicalities, level of sacrifice and extent of preparation for a particular game or sport.

 

If the game has to do with team sports, all participants are expected to burry their differences, put aside any grudges or grievances and unite in the spirit just to pursue the cause of winning a medal. Every participant will be expected to discipline his or her eating habit,

maintain a fitting diet, a particular weight for some sports and oftentimes engage in extremely rigorous training sessions that may involve getting up by 4am for as long as the preparations last. Paul was speaking to the Corinthian church from an empirical perspective

because they perfectly understood the demands of discipline if they must win a medal they will leave behind at the close of life. We are called to a world of PERSONAL AND COLLECTIVE DISCIPLINE in every aspect of our lives.

 

Note that if you must succeed, you must

• Determine to meet up with deadlines and timelines. Avoid excuses at all cost.

• Scale your preferences, keep track of activities and record of engagements.

• Be proficient, prompt and engage in profitable ventures.

• Be ready to meet up with the demands of your job no matter where you stay or the challenges around you.

• Be intentional in bringing your appetite under control and be mindful of your diet if you intent to live a healthy life.

• Say no to time wasters with friends who will pull you down to their level

No man attains the level of being famous without being discipline in EVERY PROFESSION.

 

Gen. 22:1-18; 30:27-43; Exo. 33:11-18; Psalm 119:33-40; Acts 17:16-23

Devotion is a commitment that demonstrates an uncommon willingness to surrender what is most precious to an individual for the sake of love and loyalty to that profession.

It is the enthusiasm the person has for his job that determines how long he will stay there, be promoted, stagnated or sacked. Unalloyed allegiance and an uncommon devotion portray a man in his endeavour. This is a common trait in every successful business man.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Daniel 6:10

 

Gen. 26:16-28; 30:27-43; 2Samuel 11:6-13; Gal. 6:7-8

This is the quality of being committed to a task or purpose. In most cases it involves hard work. The height a man attains in a particular field is determined by his level of commitment or dedication to it.

Scholars’ belief that if you don’t publish your work, you are have made provision to perish. If you don’t present seminars, you are not growing. The fact that a football player is injured does not guarantee his replacement. Even with the bandage on his face, as long as he can see, the coach sends him back to the field.

 

They do this to get victory at all cost and a crown or medal that soon corrupts with time. They are neither hindered by weather conditions nor deterred by challenges. Isaac prevailed in very deep obscure circumstances and Jacob who was not into animal husbandry settled down and outsmarted Laban the original owner of the business.

How dedicated are you to your business, in accomplishing the assignment given to you?