The Prize

(1 Corinthians 9:16-27)
¹⁶ For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! ¹⁷ For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. ¹⁸ What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. (emphasis mine)
¹⁹ For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; ²⁰ and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; ²¹ to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; ²² to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. ²³ Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
²⁴ Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (New King James Version)

Prayer: Father God, I lift up those who are running "the race" and for those who are lost. I pray that I can be an example to honor and glorify You in the race. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of the race and for allowing me to speak out for You to win lost souls. Use me more for Your purpose Father. Show me the way! I pray for all those out there today... each one has their own issues going on Father. You know them intimately. I lift them up to You and ask that they be used to honor and glorify You. Thank You for the freedom to be who I am for You in the world and for those others who also have the freedom in You. In Jesus' name, amen.