1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:1-3

Clive Urquhart

The England football team have a new manager - a man on a mission. The pressure is on to turn a bunch of millionaire stars into a team who play with passion, belief and confidence that they are the best team in the world.

Already Capello has laid the ground rules - you play and behave on my terms or you're not in the team. He knows things have to change if the outcome is going to change. He knows there needs to be a new discipline and mentality for winning ways to return. He knows tough decisions have to be made and to not be swayed by public opinion or emotion. He's even left Beckham out for his 100th cap - nobody thought that would happen. He's prepared to do whatever it takes to re-establish a winning culture.

'Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.' 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

There is a race on for your generation and God has purposed to win it. He's gathering a team who want to partner with Him to see that come about, a generation of young people who want to run the race and win it no matter what public opinion or emotion is. To see a generation changed by the life and power of God through people like you and me.

To be cool, accepted and part of the 'in' crowd the world preaches a message of conformity, compromise and self fulfillment now. But the Bible tells us to live beyond the moment, to live for a purpose that is bigger than ourselves and far more reaching.

'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.' Hebrews 12:1-3

God has laid down His ground rules - don't get involved in anything that will slow you down, keep your life clean from sin and make daily choices that fit God's purpose for your life. The decisions you make today determine the outcomes of tomorrow.

Let's be passionate about Jesus, believe who we are in Him and be confident that he wants to influence and change those in your world where you are today.

Run a great race - see you the other side of the victory line!