What exertions do sports enthusiasts take upon themselves,... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
1 Corinthians 9:24

What exertions do sports enthusiasts take upon themselves, and how energetically do they struggle for victory! They renounce many of the pleasant things of life and live spartanically so as to be fit on the day of the competition and achieve victory. That is one side of the question.
On the other hand, how soon the laurel wreath of victory fades! And how quickly the fans' support wanes and is given to other favourites who are faster and stronger, in short better - until they, too, fade into oblivion! That is simply earthly, passing fame.
There is a different kind of struggle, for which no applause can be expected from spectators. Instead there is something greater: God's favour. It is the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12). It is described in the Bible, together with the rules.
This fight does not strengthen the body, although Christians know that they are responsible to God for their bodies. It strengthens the inner man and enables him to resist evil influences.
If anyone wishes to succeed in this fight and receive the prize of God's acknowledgement, it is not enough just to be called a Christian. One must truly belong to Christ. Whoever belongs to Him through conversion and faith receives eternal life. And the Holy Spirit indwells him. He is the power in the new life for the victorious fight of faith.
Today's reading: 1 Kings 7:38-8:11