The film ‘Elvis’ has grossed about $216,668,042 in the US and $910,809,311 worldwide. Austin Butler who played the lead role said, “I had months where I wouldn’t talk to anybody. And when I did, the only thing I was ever thinking about was Elvis.” Also as part of the price he paid, he did not see his family for three years while preparing for the film. In recent meditations, we referenced sportsmen and women that people pay to watch. What we must add at this point is that becoming a champion in any field is not a walk in the park. Professional sportsmen and women will readily admit that becoming a champion in any field is not a tea party. Victory comes at great cost, involving rigorous exercises and readiness to delay gratification of other desires.
In our text, Paul refers to the enormous sacrifices and discipline that sportsmen undergo just to take a shot at gold. He stated that the crown they receive at the end of such tortuous journeys would eventually perish. Compare that to believers’ reward – incorruptible crowns. We are not just chasing a crown that cannot perish, we are gunning for glory! If people discipline themselves for earthly glory, should we not do more for heavenly glory?
