February 28, 2021 - St. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9, describes the Christian life in Christ as a runner who is temperate in all things in order to gain the desired prize. An athlete, in order to compete for the prize, has to walk in great self-control as they train for the competition. They must abstain from many things and will themselves to do many things. Why would they subject themselves to this? Because their heart is fixed on the prize and they value the prize far more than they value their personal freedom. The prize for the Christian is both now and not yet. When we live a spiritual life with the dedication of an athlete, the experience of the greatness of the Kingdom of God grows in our lives. And in the end if we could only have a glimpse of what Christ has prepared for us for all eternity, surely we would abandon everything and follow Him all or our days.