When we talk about winning the prize it’s usually in a sporting or competitive context, in all sports there is an ultimate prize. In football maybe the Premier league or World cup, American football the - Superbowl, Cricket - the Ashes, Tennis - Wimbledon or one of the other grandslams etc. To the most competitive of these professional sportsman already wealthy from their success it’s not about the material rewards of winning, but they pursue, they chase it, they live for their prize. As the people of God we should know that life is the game worth winning, what does it really mean to really win? because when you walk with God winning might be very different. So for those who follow Jesus, who want to live for him and obey him; what is the prize? Eternity, obviously. How many of us wouldn’t mind a well done O good and faithful servant on Judgement day? Sure that’s the ultimate prize but what about now, lets back up a minute is there a prize now here on this Earth? What would that prize look like, what would that be? If you had to list a couple of things what would you say? think about it.

Lets look at a familiar story that I think can teach us some things about winning the prize. Breaking with good Christian tradition 6 points not 3. Read the rest of this entry »