September 2008
By Akiiki Kabagarama

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. 1 Cor. 9:24-25

We all love to win, don’t we? When I think of winning, one young university student comes to mind. I enjoy listening to her voice as she says, “We are winning!” when her team is leading at a football game. Even when the game is in the first quarter, she gives the good report, “We are winning!” as long as her team is ahead.

One Saturday evening as she monitored the game on her computer because her team had traveled to another state to play, I called and asked her how the game was going. In a sad, trembling voice, she responded, “We are losing”. I asked her which quarter it was and she said, “The second”. I responded, “Well, there is still plenty of time. The game just started. Your team will come back.” Indeed, her team scored more points and they ended up winning the game. Once again the student was ecstatic that she supported a “winner”.

Ask yourself the questions, Who is the winner in and of my life? Is Jesus the winner in my life?” Jesus died on Calvary so that humanity could be reconciled to God. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we are victorious.

When we examine our own lives, who is winning? Is Jesus winning or are other things or people the winners? If Jesus is not occupying the first position, we are losing. If Jesus is not the focus in our lives, the loss is ours whether we are in the first or fourth quarter.

Before Jesus’ death, his last words, were, “It is finished” (Luke 19:30). This means that he had done all that needed to do to win the race. We do not have to fear defeat because our leader has already won.

Let us make haste to run to the source of life. As football players, or players of any sport like to win, let us also be winners in Christ. The trophy is ours to take home if we allow Christ to score and make the winning “touchdown” or “goal” in our lives.

Prayer

Forgive us Jesus for shutting you out of our lives. Reopen our hearts to your love. Be the winner in our lives. Amen.