This past Sunday approximately 100 million people watched the Pittsburg Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals battle it out to the very last second of the forty-third Super Bowl played in Tampa Bay. The final minutes of the game saw the Cards scoring to pull ahead, feeling a little confident that they'd won it all, and then came the thrilling play that ended their hopes and dreams: the pass caught in the end zone, the dragging of the toes, the final official ruling. Touchdown! A spectacular finish! Cardinal fans may be disappointed in the outcome, but not in the spirit of play. Steelers' fans, however, are ecstatic that their team pulled it out in the final seconds of the game.

And the individual prize for winning the Super Bowl? A coveted, $5,000 diamond studded ring. We may never wear a $5,000 ring as a reward for our play on the field, but blue ribbons, a gold seal of approval, or a trophy are some of the tangible "crowns" we may have opportunities to acquire in regards to a competitive performance. These rewards are displayed for a time, and then are set aside, packed away, or even tossed. Even the intangible "crowns," the compliments you weren't expecting and the thank you notes for a service that was accomplished, are forgotten over time as the memory fades.

The fear of losing and not being able to attain a victory crown is the driving force that keeps many in top physical and mental condition, to keep their skills sharp. They will do whatever it takes to outperform an opponent, to stay at the top of their game, to go from a level of ordinary to extraordinary.

In today's epistle reading (I Corinthians 9: 16-27), Paul comments about the race we daily run in order to win the prize. We may not actually be running on a track or tread mill, but the race we run is a journey on the narrow path that takes us to a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior. Prayer, bible study, devotional time, worship, and sharing the faith with others are just a few ways that we stay in top spiritual condition. Paul isn't encouraging us to be mediocre, just to do enough to get by, but to always strive to do the best, to go beyond what we would normally do!

What's your prize? What goal do you hold tightly too? What would you be willing to go into training mode for? Is Christ the coach, encouraging your progress as you grow in the talents and abilities you've been equipped with to live as a child of God in all that you do or is He merely a spectator? Or is He yearning to walk with you as you strive to earn a prize without His friendship and support?

Christ's victory crown becomes ours through faith in Christ Jesus. Our response for this imperishable prize can only be one of thanksgiving and self discipline. One day we will hear Jesus say to us and all believers, "Well done, my wise and faithful servant."

Enjoying the ride,

Jane