April 29 – Race for the Prize

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25.

Life is like a race—and is competitive. Everyone wants to win. Look at how children instinctively just want to “win” in everything—whether it is a race to finish their dinner first, get to the door before others, or a contest to sell the most cookie dough. The world revolves around them and they want to win the prize—usually attention of the parents. Sometimes the parents can offer prizes that are encouraging for the children. God offers us rewards of a clear conscience and peace of mind as we tell the truth and satisfaction of knowing that we have been obedient to Him as we share the truth of Jesus with others. This verse above tells us that we should have control in all things. Controlling our tongues to say positive things—and not gossip is important. It is ironic that people will gossip about people they don’t pray for and don’t gossip about those for whom they do pray. (Read scripture on gossip to understand more of the dangers associated with that. Proverbs 20:19, 2 Corinthians 12:20, 1 Timothy 5:13, Titus 2:3-5.)  

Training Tip –Training children in God’s ways needs to begin at a young age. That training needs to include self control of their tongue. The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made fat.  Proverbs 13:3-4. How can we “train” our tongues? If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. James 1:26. Make up a game with your family where the children repeat a sentence that you say…and then say if it is True or False. Like: “The moon is made of cheese.” (False) There are eight days in the week. (False) Jesus loves those only those people in the United States. (False) God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him has eternal life. (True). Telling the truth is one way to control the tongue. Use ideas in your game that are at their age and knowledge level.  Discuss using the tongue to express God’s truths.

Lord God, help us to bridle or control our tongues that we would speak Your truths and encourage others to seek to know You and have eternal life.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.