Our Daily Bread: Character-Driven LeadershipSmakprov

Running the Race

All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. -1 Corinthians 9:25

The careers of most National Football League players are remarkably brief: just 3.3 years on average, according to statista.com. Then there’s Tampa Bay Buccaneer and former New England Patriot quarterback and team leader Tom Brady.

In 2021, he began his twenty-second season at the age of forty-four. Brady’s seven Super Bowl rings have earned him the title of G.O.A.T.—greatest of all time in the NFL. But it’s a title he never could have achieved apart from letting his single-minded pursuit of football perfection shape everything in his life.

The apostle Paul recognized athletes exhibiting similar discipline (1 CORINTHIANS 9:24). But he also saw that no matter how much they trained, their glory faded. In contrast, we have an opportunity to live for Jesus in a way that affects eternity. If athletes striving for momentary glory can work so hard, how much more should those living for “an eternal prize” (V. 25).

We don’t train to earn salvation. Rather, just the opposite: as we realize how truly wondrous our salvation is, it reshapes our priorities, our perspective, and the very things we live for as each of us faithfully leads and runs our own race of faith in God’s strength.

ADAM R. HOLZ

How do you think our faith motivates us to give our very best as we follow Jesus? How can we avoid legalism as we grow in spiritual disciplines and lead others?

Father, help me to recognize where my own life needs some training as a believer and a leader. And help me to grow in discipline as a response to Your gracious love.