1 Corinthians 9:24-27

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
English Standard Version (ESV)

  So that Super Bowl was terrible.  The ads weren't that great as well.  And I doubt that too many people were eager to see Tom Brady win yet another ring -- but his excellence and perseverance are admirable.  He has endured in a league that is commonly referred to as 'Not For Long'.  He has maintained his abilities and somehow finds a way to win -- the longer that game went on, the longer it stayed close, a Patriots win felt inevitable.
  Tom Brady's Super Bowl rings will fade someday.  They'll last longer than many trophies, but one day they will be forgotten.  What if I told you that you will receive a ring of glory that will not fade, that will not pass away?  What if I told you that God wants to give you something of far greater value than a Super Bowl trophy?  What if the riches and glory of the heavenly kingdom could be yours, and the price has been paid by someone else?
  I think all of us would be willing to work harder if we were offered the chance to win Super Bowl-level glory.  God offers us something infinitely more valuable, and he offers it as a gift.  Paul urges the Corinthians to press on, to claim the prize and revel in the grace of God.  May we do the same, disciplining ourselves to receive what God freely offers us and living into the wonder of God's Kingdom!