Paul, the
apostle, reminds us that sometimes hard work is forgotten. Athletes subject
their bodies to great discipline as they train to win perishable medals for
their effort (1 Cor. 9:25). But it is not just that the medals are perishable.
Over time, people’s memory of those achievements dim and fade. If athletes can
sacrifice so much to achieve rewards on the earth, rewards that will eventually
be forgotten, how much more effort should followers of Christ exert to gain an
imperishable crown? (1 Tim.
4:8).
Athletes’
sacrifice and determination are rewarded with medals, trophies, and money. But
even greater, our Father in heaven rewards the discipline of His children (Luke
19:17).
God will
never forget our service done out of love for Him who first loved us. (RBC)
