THE PRIZE OF VICTORY

THE PRIZE OF VICTORY

The price to pay for victory paves way for the prize of victory. We cannot access life as the prize of victory if we have not paid the price for victory. There is no victory in a battle without a fight. There is no success without passing though failures. There is no overcoming without passing through ups and down. There is no victory therefore without a price. In reality, many people want to be victorious in life, but not everybody wants to pay the price. Are you willing to pay the price in order to access the prize?

            There is no doubt that nobody wants to associate with failure. An athlete in a race does not run for nothing, he runs with the mindset of winning the crown. A warrior preparing for battle will nurse nothing else but victory. A student preparing for exams will expect nothing else but the best. Everyone desires to get success as an end result but only few know that there is something that needs to be done in order to access this success. There is a goal for us to reach, are you running focus-ly towards it or you are walking aimlessly towards it? For Apostle Paul, he said, “I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done.” (Philippians 3:14). When you have not acknowledged that there is a crown for you to win, it will be dicey to get access to the crown.

“Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever.” (1 Cor. 9:24-26) Apostle Paul uses a victory crown for winning a race as a parallel to running and winning the race of life. The crown and wreath are used to describe the prize, but how long would the victory crown of a winning athlete remain fresh and green? Not for very long. This is because it would soon shrivel and thereafter lost its value/worth. BUT, the prize of victory I am driving at in this write up is eternal. It is based on Gods own eternal word. The question is, what is your crown? What do you want to be successful at? Is it at riches, fame, wealth, material possessions, etc. all will soon fade in glory? There is a victory crown which can last forever, will you be ready to pay the price to access it?

            Many years ago, a crown was placed on Jesus’ head by the soldiers shortly before the crucifixion. That crown was the ‘victory crown of thorns’ which many say is the most unusual victory crown of all time. Many people at that time most especially the soldiers mocked Jesus and believed that the battle is over and that Jesus has lost. Three (3) days later after His crucifixion, Jesus won many victories by fulfilling the prophecies concerning His life, accomplishing His mission/purpose for which he was sent to this world, and he also defeated death. Oh dear reader, for this reason, I am positively green/sure that Jesus will come back again to take those who are faithful to Him. He is at the right hand side of the father with a wear of a heavenly crown which the enemies could not have stopped. Are you ready for his coming? Are you living with heaven in view? If he comes today, will you follow him? These are questions you must unearth as you journey through life to eternity. 

            The Christian race is not without its suffering and ups and down, yet God expects us to be faithful to the end. There would be a testing period which I often refer to as the wilderness experience period. Remember that this wilderness experience period won’t last long; it is just for a while. There will be trials and temptations, challenges and tribulations on the way, but you need to be faithful to God even to the point of death. If this prize of victory will cost you your life, please never quit and never fear the suffering you will pass through before being crowned by the righteous judge “at that day” (day of judgement). The bible says “Don't be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The Devil will put you to the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life as your prize of victory. (Revelation 2:10)

            What actually is this prize of victory and to whom would it be given to? From Revelation 2:10 quoted earlier, the prize of victory is the crown of life. It will interest you to know that the believers are eternally rewarded by Jesus at the judgement seat of Christ with rewards for being faithful to the end and a reward for loving Jesus to the end. These crowns and rewards are the “crown of righteousness (loved the Lord’s appearing), incorruptible crown (disciplined bodies/self control), crown of life (endure patiently through trials), crown of glory (godly leaders who were examples to flock), and crown of rejoicing (soul winners)”. How you live your life here on earth determines the reward you will get on that day.  There is a reward for those who win the race. There is a reward for the overcomers. My dear readers note that Jesus will surely award us with the crown of righteousness if we run this race successfully to the end. Please, don’t give up so soon.

            If you are not aware of these crowns, you may get tired of suffering for the Lord. There is crown if only we wait patiently to the end. The phrase ‘The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer ten days…” (Rev. 2:10) simply suggests that there will be a time where you might think you are in a prison for living a righteous life, but just know that it is for a short moment as signified from the phrase ‘ten days’ which clarifies how short the testing moment would be. Please endure patiently for James 1:12 says “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” How much love do you have for God? A question you must not leave unanswered as you journey to eternity.

            How then can you live your life in such a way as to be given life as the prize of victory? The first step in reality is by being born again. There is possibility of accessing life as the prize of victory by accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal savior through repentance. In our generation, we have many people who claim to be born again; yet, their lives don’t show forth the life of Christ. Being born again is not an improvement of your character or morality; it is a new life that Christ Himself gives. Do you know what the new birth experience really means? The bible says “This means that ANYONE who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Dear reader, do you have the new birth experience? If no, today is an opportunity for you to accept Jesus as you Lord and personal savior.  Jesus has actually paid the price for your salvation on the cross of Calvary. “You were bought with a price (purchased with a preciousness and paid for by Christ); then do not yield yourselves up to become (in your own estimation) slaves to men (but consider yourselves slaves to Christ) (1 Cor. 7:23). Jesus is waiting for your response. To access life as the prize of victory, you must remain faithful even when facing death. To ensure victory, you must exercise self control, practice self discipline, fix your eyes on Jesus, focus on the race’s end and run with endurance, never grow weary in waiting for Jesus’ return, loving God with the whole of your heart, and then keeping His commandments.

            Eternal life in itself is a victory crown, and that death loses its victory in Christ. For the faithful, even death brings life; thus, do not be afraid of suffering for Christ. Jesus suffered death so that we might live eternally. “There is a blessing on the man who undergoes testing; because, if he has God's approval, he will be given the crown of life, which the Lord has said he will give to those who have love for him.” (James 1:12) Jesus is our salvation. We must not get tired persevering for the Lord and we must not get tired loving Jesus. If we don’ get tired, victory is sure in the end. As the hymn rightly puts it, “O victory in Jesus, my saviour forever. He sought me, and bought me, with His redeeming blood.” That’s it…so we could have overcome the world. So we could rejoice forever with crowns that do not fade.” In want to conclude with what Apostle Paul said many years ago, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have served the Lord faithfully. Now, a prize is waiting for me - the crown that will show I am right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give it to me on that Day. Yes, he will give it to me and to everyone else who is eagerly looking forward to his coming.” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). May God grant us help us to run this race in such a way as to receive these crowns at the end of our race in Jesus name, Amen. 

“If we who are [abiding] in Christ have hope only in this life and that is all, then we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied.”

(Apostle Paul from 1 Corinthians 15:19)                

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH CHRIST!

THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS WITH CHRIST!

There is no doubt that the earnest attachment of Christmas to man can be the highest detachment to God Almighty. It simply suggests that our Christmas would never make meaning if we have not opted to view and apply the celebration of Christmas as from God’s perspective/way. Hence, what are our already desired thoughts to Christmas this year? Are they of good or of bad? It should interest us that no matter what/how they might be, if there is no understanding to the genesis and meaning of Christmas, celebrating our Christmas would be without meaning.

Many years ago, I was meant to believe that Christmas is a time to get new clothing, a time to eat and drink to the fullest. A time to visit places like zoo’s, wild life parks, museums, PRTV, NTA among several other recreational activities. I was meant to believe that the season of Christmas is a time to say ‘happy Christmas’ to somebody and expect money in return, if need be, go from houses to houses ‘aiming at money’ in the name of happy Christmas. Though, it may not be bad, but, is that the true meaning of Christmas? That should be a celebration of the new born King without an encounter.  It is indeed periods without understanding what Christmas really meant. But now, I realize that even though Christmas is a moment of celebration, it must have to be celebrated with meaning. And this meaning can only be actualized when we give positive answers to certain germane questions as to whom this new born King is; a reason for commemorating Christmas. These illustrations above were my thoughts, and many people are still holding to these thoughts among several others as reasons for Christmas. If these are not the true reasons for Christmas, what then is Christmas?

             In our today’s world, Christmas is coined to be something different. It is a time when evil and frivolous activities are on the increase. It is a time when many people visit their churches for the first time in a year. It is a time when many people have to travel to their villages for the first time in a year. It is a time when people wash their carpets for the first time in a year. It is a time when people eat and drink to satisfy their bellies. It is a time when the Church is filled to capacity. It is a time when people visit places like zoo’s, people’s houses, wild life parks, amusement parks or even museums. It is a time when people will say ‘happy Christmas’ to expect money in return. It is a time when people compete on who will first finish plenty bottles of alcoholic drinks in a bear parlour. It is a time when people make their hairs for the first time in a year. It is a time when people opt for new shoes, dresses and do all sort of make-ups. If all these are they thoughts of many people about Christmas, is it truly The Christmas? If no, what then is Christmas?

            Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a widely observed holiday celebrated generally on the 25th of December, yearly. It’s a red-letter-day that must remain indelible in our lives as Christians. The Gregorian calendar is not complete if 25th December is not given due recognition, hence, the birth of Christ must be highly recognized in our lives. Of a truth, ‘Christmas celebration will never make meaning if we have not received and recognized Jesus Christ into our lives’. About 60% and above of people who celebrate Christmas celebrate it without understanding its meaning. They celebrate it blindly because people are equally celebrating. They eat because people are eating. They party because their friends party. They practice lust instead of love and later get lost, and at the end of the day, they call it the spirit of Christmas.

            To understand what Christmas really meant, we must have to answer some very momentous questions even after painstakingly illustrating these questions below. We must have to access these questions as from our own points of view. They are germane questions and must be answered accurately.

How was Jesus Christ Conceived and Born?: Several people today were born in the best hospitals in town, for some others, arrangements were made for them to travel abroad to be born. But for Jesus Christ, that was not the case. Even after he was conceived through the Holy Spirit to a virgin called Mary, he was very much targeted to be killed by a human king. The bible introduced us in Matthew 1:18 that “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit”. How can the Doctors of today explain this kind of scenario? What a mystery!, a mystery that even the specialized Doctors cannot have factual answers to. ‘And she gave birth to him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7 KJV). The NIV version says, ‘….because there was no guest room available for them’. Jesus birth took place in a stable, surrounded by farm animals. That is, in a manger (a feeding trough). But the big question to answer this season of Christmas is that, do you have place for Jesus Christ in your heart?, have you created room for Jesus in your heart?, have you opened your heart for Jesus Christ even while He His at the door knocking?.. The birth of Jesus has brought us good news and we have to spread it out to the world. In order for us to enjoy this season of Christmas, we must accept the good news of Christ birth and create room for him in our lives. It is true that Jesus was born in the manger, but how does it affect and change our perspectives to life?, a question that must not be left unanswered this season of Christmas.

How did Jesus Christ Grew?: Jesus grew to understand the business of His Master. At the age of twelve, he knew what it meant to be busy doing God’s business. He identified his purpose and started to carry out his responsibility at that age. ‘And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my father’s business?’ (Luke 2:49).Christmas is not a time to gossip, it’s a time to do Gods work. It is not a time to waste our strengths in party/disco-halls; it’s a time to tell people about the essence of Christmas. It’s a time to tell people about the birth of Christ and how he grew in wisdom and stature. ‘And Jesus increase in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man’ (Luke 2:52). If truly we knew how Jesus grew, we would grow to become like Jesus, and this Christmas will be meaningfully celebrated. Have you begin your step with Jesus Christ or you have not yet started?, a question that must not be left unanswered this season of Christmas.

Why was Jesus Christ Born?: Jesus was born for a purpose. As Jesus was born for a purpose, so are we. Every one of us was born for a purpose and with a purpose.  “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the REDEMPTION of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Some bible version like NLT says ‘…..been waiting expectantly for God to RESCUE Jerusalem’. He was born so that we can believe in Him, and we must have a reason to believe in Him. Jesus Christ was born to save us from sin. He is our savior. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOUR, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11) If not until you know why Jesus Christ was born, you will not be able to celebrate this Christmas very joyously. In short, you will celebrate it meaninglessly. It is not enough to know who you are, find why you are. Have you known why you are born?, a question that must not be left unanswered this season of Christmas.

How much love would you give this year’s Christmas?: It was love that made it possible for our almighty God to send His only begotten son (Jesus) to save us from our sins. We must love as Christ loves. Love entails giving and sharing. So therefore, we must share that which we have with others this Christmas. We must learn to love other people this Christmas with sincerity. The expenses that we opt to make, please we should include that of those who cannot be able to afford. When we practice true love this Christmas, we would make many people happy. We should meet a need this Christmas. Therefore, we should find a need and meet it. Youths of today, have devised ways to practice lust instead of love, a lust that leads to their lost. If we must enjoy this Christmas, we must love with good motive and not with wrong motive. Love is of the essence, and we must love to make this Christmas lovely. How have you decided to love this year’s Christmas? a question that must not be left unanswered this season of Christmas..

Where are you leading yourself this Christmas Day? : Everybody is entitled to lead himself where he wishes, but if where he wished to be is not approved by God, he will lead himself somewhere unimportant. Immediately Jesus was born, the message went to the shepherds through the angel to go and visit and worship the new born king. They followed the star even when they do not know where it will lead them until it stops at where Jesus was born. “..the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy”. (Matthew 2:9b-10). So many people have not identified theirs stars nor have they even known where their stars will lead them. God is the only man who can direct our star to the desired end. Where have you opted to go this Christmas? a question that must not be left unanswered this season of Christmas.

Do you have anything to offer to Jesus Christ this Christmas?: The bible says, “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.(Matthew 2:11). What do you have to offer to Jesus Christ this Christmas celebration? That is why I said that, ‘If you don’t have GOLD to offer to Jesus Christ, offer GOOD WORSHIP, if you don’t have FRANKINCENSE, offer FERVENT FELLOWSHIP AND LOVE to one another, if you don’t have MYRRH to offer, then you can offer your MELLIFLUOUS (SWEET-SOUNDING) BODY for Gods work’. Also note that if you don’t have anything at all to offer, you can give yourself to Jesus (surrender your life). Offer yourself to the service of God can be the best way to celebrate your Christmas this year.  The only way to bring meaning to this year’s Christmas is to offer ourselves to God Almighty. What have you prepared to offer to this new born king this year? a question that must not be left unanswered this season of Christmas.

            After looking painstakingly at the above germane questions, we must have to derive an essence for Christmas. What have you already thought of Christmas?, have you thought of another routine and normal Christmas?, have you thought of doing unholy things this year’s Christmas again? How have you already programmed your Christmas this year?. If yes, please pause, check and amend your ways very properly before celebrating this year’s Christmas. What then is Christmas?, has come to challenge us to celebrate a meaningful Christmas. Therefore, we must realize that Christmas is a moment of true love and sharing. It is a moment of encounter that should be contagious. It is a moment to find a star that should lead us to where God only designed it to stop. It is a moment of renewal of the heart. It is a moment of opening our hearts while Christ himself is standing at the door knocking very hard. It is a moment of taking the good news of the new born king to the world. It is a moment of joy and happiness. It is a moment of celebration. It is a moment to grow to find favour with man and God. We must bring light to this year’s Christmas, and to do that we must have Christ in us. Christmas is a moment of reaching the unreached; like the poor, widows etc. Christmas is a moment to care for those who are sick, a visit to the hospital can make a lot of difference. I can boldly say that ‘Christmas celebration without Christ is a waste of time’. Christmas has come again, and we must have to celebrate it well. Never celebrate this year’s Christmas without any meaning. This write up has come to stir our hearts on how to find meaning to this year’s Christmas before celebrating. You must first know the new born king (Jesus) before you can celebrate this Christmas very meaningfully. What you know is not enough, get more meaning to what you have already known. Christmas without Christ is Christmas without a cause.

“God is here. This truth should fill our lives, and every Christmas should be for us a new and special meeting with God, when we allow his light and grace to enter deep into our soul”. (Josemaría Escrivá )                   

Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!!!