Living Life by Design

After college I had two opportunities to play the professional tennis circuit. A group of local businessmen approached me and offered to cover all my expenses…clothing, racquets, housing, food, travel, and tournament fees. The “rub” was I had to accept coaching and guidance from their coach…someone I didn’t care for. The second opportunity came from a friend & fellow tennis player who asked if I wanted to travel the professional circuit with him, in his converted van. There was only on bed so I would have to sleep on the floor. Without hesitation I jumped at the opportunity. 

After some fundraising (exhibition matches & begging for money) we began our journey & drove from Redlands, California to Virginia Beach, Virginia where our first tournament was held. 2,700 miles in 3 days. The tennis journeyman’s life was intense, to say the least. Practicing, competing, eating right, dealing with ‘chiggers’ (I was eaten alive), trying to sleep through the constant noise of ‘cicadas’, and of course, staying hydrated in something I’d never experienced before…humidity. I felt like Dorothy when she said, ‘I don’t think I’m in Kansas anymore’ (for you younger folks, that was from the movie, The Wizard of Oz). Lions & tigers & bears…oh my’ became ‘cicadas & chiggers & humidity…oh my!’ For this California boy, it was quite an adventure.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, the apostle Paul writes, ‘You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally’.

I was willing to subject myself to brutal conditions and strict training to achieve something that I loved, but would ‘not last’. How much more should I be willing to go into ‘strict training’ for in order to ‘get a crown that will last for ever (v.25).

Paul writes, ‘I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition’ (v.26). Worshipping and serving God is Paul’s aim and ambition in life. He wants to do it to the very best of his ability. He wants to give it everything he’s got. He is going for a #1 ranking. He will settle for nothing less than gold.

If we’re willing to spend hours on end playing golf, tennis, or another activity for a prize that will ‘not last’, how much more should we be pursuing a crown of glory that will never tarnish.

How will you spend your time today?