Seriously. What is your FOCUS in life?

When I look back in my life, I realize that my focus in life varied depending upon my age and surroundings.  Yes, I've been a believer for almost 50 years.  I attended church regularly, tithed at times, and generally wanted the best for my family.  All good.  But my focus was a bit lacking in establishing God on the throne.   But He has been extraordinarily merciful to me and my family.  Over the past twenty-five years or so, the Lord has become a genuine focus.  And in this regard, I have no regrets.   He has gracefully illuminated my path, fostering obedience. 

What I find in scripture is that Paul served the Lord as the apostle to the gentiles (that's me).  Numerous scriptures inform us that we are to IMITATE him -- that is, his way of following King Jesus.   Consider the following scripture and ask yourself some questions:

Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.  Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown.  So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air.  Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 
1 Corinthians 9:24-27

1.  How do we run in such a way as to win the prize?
2.  What is the real prize Paul is speaking of?
3.  What does the imperishable crown mean?
4.  What was Paul alluding to regarding the risk of being disqualified? 

Consider another verse that has significant implications on our pursuit of God and his kingdom:

“The Law and the Prophets were until John; since that time the good news of the kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone is forcing his way into it.  Luke 16:16

Are you living a truly kingdom focused life?  Is there a real intensity to your approach to the kingdom of God?  And, are you finding joy in the journey?

I invite you to take a quick look at Paul's Singular Prize, a six minutes video by John Harrigan, that captures well what I have attempted to present to you in this post. 

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