September 28

1 Corinthians 9:24‑25
 
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible”―1 Corinthians 9:24, 2524Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (1 Corinthians 9:24‑25).
SCRIPTURE distinguishes between salvation which is by grace alone, and therefore altogether apart from human merit or works of any kind, and reward which is for service rendered in loving devotion to our rejected Lord, as we seek to glorify Him in this world, our place of testimony. This is the race we are called to run and in order to do so, it is imperative that the servant of Christ exercise godly self-control over all physical appetites. The incorruptible crown is the reward which we hope to receive at the hand of our Lord when we stand at His judgment-seat. To miss this token of His approval will be loss indeed!
“Not at death I shrink or falter.
For my Saviour saves me now,
But to meet Him empty-handed.
Thought of that now clouds my brow.”