As I am writing this article, we are only a few days away from our annual county fair. It has been a tradition for over 170 years. Many generations of families have enjoyed the food, fun, and festivities that this summer ending event has to offer. Our farm is sending dairy cows of different ages to participate in dozens of shows throughout the week. The young people that are showing them have been working with their animals for many months hoping to receive the best award for their effort, “First Prize”! Oh, to see the joy and pride of the showman leaving the ring with the ever-wanted blue ribbon of success! It makes all those countless hours of training and cleaning worth every second.
I wonder how much effort we extend as we serve the Lord with the gifts and abilities that He has entrusted us with? How much time do we invest each week both showing and telling others of His amazing grace? The word “prize” is mentioned twice in the Bible. One of those places is found in Philippians 3:13-14 where Paul writes, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul knew that the prizes we obtain in this world will not last the test of time, but the things we do for Christ will. I had a plaque on my bedroom wall as a child that said, “Only one’s life will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last, to me to live is Christ!”
Enjoy the fairs and all the fun they have to offer. Work hard at what you do and strive to do your very best. Never forget what first place for every believer in Christ should be. You see, first prize is a great temporary accomplishment, but pleasing Christ will have an eternal reward. Press toward that prize!
