The race is not against other contenders but against ourselves. The measure of our success is not the margin of victory over our rivals, but how well we did compared to how well we could have done. Our emphasis, therefore, is on performing to the measure of our personal capabilities, on exercising discernment, discipline, and steadfastness in achieving the goals we believe God has set for us in our personal sphere of influence. This is the prize that Paul holds before us. Paul was supremely interested in achieving God's unique objectives for his life.
Competition is a universal phenomenon.
It encompasses school, sports, businesses, politics, and personal relationships. But by riveting our attention exclusively on God's will for our lives and making full use of our talents and gifts, we can find rich fulfillment without the strife and stress that come from engaging in unnecessary competition. We eventually succeed when we adorn our labor with excellence and are fully committed to glorifying God with our lives. All rights reserved.