When is the last time you thought my life is worth nothing? In a culture of self-esteem where everyone wins because we don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, this is not a popular theme. We often see athletes pointing to their names on their jerseys or thumping their chests when they make a great play. Still other athletes refuse to play for a team because they don’t have a chance of winning a championship. It is the ultimate in selfishness!

We have plenty of examples of the “It’s all about me” belief in sports and in life. After all, there’s no “I” in team, but there is “me”!

Paul throws selfish pursuits under the bus. In the face of trials and suffering, he doesn’t demand to be traded so he can win a ring. He doesn’t plead with God for an easy way out or a simple assignment or prosperity. You get the sense that comfort and convenience are not even distant thoughts to Paul. He, like you and me, was on a mission. He realized that finishing the race meant being faithful to his Lord Jesus and the truth of His resurrection. He gave up his “right” to a life of status and wealth and personal gain. Apart from Jesus, his life was worth nothing to him.