How is your life purpose?

Paul liked sports metaphors. He likened our life purpose to running a race. The Corinthians hosted the Isthmian Games, and it’s probable that Paul enjoyed watching some of these events.


Athletes in Olympia trained in gymnasiums.

The stoa, or covered colonnade next to the gymnasium, the columns of which you see here reconstructed after earthquakes, hosted philosophy discussions.


Paul pointed out that all the contestants run, but only one wins. What’s needed to win, he says, is focus. Greek athletes trained for ten months prior to the races. Paul knew the importance of staying in peak condition, staying alert to avoid anything that would distract from training.

The reward for the winner was a wreath of pine or laurel. Paul contrasts this with the reward for a life in service to God -- heavenly approval of unselfish love for one’s fellow man.

So once again Paul speaks across the centuries.

Find your relationship with your creator. Discover how He/She wants you to use your gifts, your talents, in the service of others. And focus on achieving this goal. Be alert to distractions, for the devil doesn’t like good things going on, and diversion is a favorite tool. Stay in mental and spiritual shape. And keep to your course.

There’s no limit to the good we can accomplish, if we give our lives to Christ to transform for his spiritual purpose.

Success in life depends upon persistent effort,
upon the improvement of moments
more than upon any other one thing. . .

If one would be successful in the future,
let him make the most of the present.

Mary Baker Eddy