The Prized Trophy
“Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable use and some for dishonorable. So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” -- 2 Timothy 2:20-21
There is a prized trophy for the one standing on the podium. Would you like the trophy to be blemished? Would you not want a trophy that is beautiful without flaws?
As coaches, we strive to do our best so that we deserve to hold the prized trophy. "Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:24).
How do we run to win? We strive for perfection. We fix whatever cracks we find in our team’s performance. (Jeremiah 18:1–6)
Our God is the sovereign One who is in control of everything. He can raise or crush nations. However, like a potter, He desires for us to be a beautiful vessel in His hands. He wants us to be a special utensil for honorable use. (Jeremiah 18:11b–12)
We’re not perfect. The good news is that our God is willing to start over and remold us. However, what is our response? Do we allow Him to mold us into a beautiful pot, ready to be used for every good work? Or do we continue stubbornly in our own evil desires?
Just as we are willing to do everything possible to become the perfect competitor, are we willing to do everything possible to be ready for the Master to use us? Turn from our evil ways. Do what is right. Keep ourselves pure and clean. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Run away from youthful passions. Run toward righteousness, faith, love and peace together with fellow believers.
- As a coach or competitor, what are some passions you need to run away from?
- Who are the fellow believers that you can run together with toward righteousness?
“Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Savior. Take me. Mold me. Use me. Fill me. Hold me. Guide me. Lead me. I give my life to Your hands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”
