Some of the most touching stories are about the athletes who have had to overcome serious obstacle to compete. They train hard, in some cases, for years, for this experience. They compete for the experience but also for the prize. They compete to win. They strive to be the best. These athletes are at the Olympic games to win gold.
What if we applied the diligence and seriousness of these athletes to our own spiritual lives? Paul wrote, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). He viewed spiritual growth and Christian life as a process, a journey, one we need to be continually moving forward in.
If we are looking for that heavenly prize, how are we living now in anticipation of that prize? Do our lives reflect discipline and commitment towards that goal? Or would others be surprised to learn that our goal was a heavenly prize?
Live your life "going for the gold," moving ever forward towards the heavenly prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.