Prayer meeting sharing: What makes an Olympic Gold Medal Christian?

As the Corinthians were having their own version of the Games, Paul was preaching this to them.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my own body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1. All of us must have the desire to win the prize
As Christians, we want to win God's prize. Run to win the prize / hit the mark, not just simply for the sake of it. All of us like to win prizes, be it during our school days or when we take part in sports, even Christmas presents and lucky draws. God made us with a natural desire to be winners. In this case, not just any prize, but the prize that lasts forever. Example: You can't really bring your university degree to heaven and say you are an engineer, right? What is there for you to build?(That being said, doesn't mean don't study hard ya :p) Hence, all of us must set goals in our lives. Inspire people around us and in church to do so.

2. Need to go into STRICT training.
We read about swimmers like Michael Phelps breaking Olympic records and winning more than 6 gold medals already. Swimmers like these have been swimming since their teenage years (probably 14+). The Chinese identified young gymnasts' with potential at a very young age, and train them with one single focus towards performing their best in the Games. In order to win the prize, need to be trained so that we know how to be more effective in serving God. Of course those who have gone through university feel more confident in undertaking the job they are in now, otherwise if no form of training (eg university degree), how to embark in certain professions? Trained people should also train others. Need to challenge people to serve God in various ministries (no matter which group - student, working adult etc).

3. Challenge each other to be in self-control.
While we want to be equipped, we need to be able to control ourselves in the process. Sometimes when we get tired / discouraged / lonely, we don't want to run anymore, as we get the perception that it is too hard to win the prize. But are you willing to pay the price? Not easy.. Encourage one another to persevere and press on.