1Cor 9:25 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.
If there is anything that a Christian knows it is the perfection is an unattainable goal. However, that does not mean improvement is worthless. Whether it is called growth, getting better, or sanctification, both God and the world expect it to be a part of our lives. The verse above gives encouragement and energy to the Christian endeavering to grow in Christ. The prerequests to successful growth are: 1)a deep desire to quality work, 2)the God given ability to ignor or deny any other desire that interferres with the main desire.
I guess the world would call the deep desire for quality work, having pride in what they do. At the risk of splitting hairs, the word pride is an inappropriate word to use. For the Bible has not one positive declaration for pride. Pride brings all attention to one's self and self-madeness. God certainly wants quality work done by his people but never at the expense of His Glory. "Whatsoever you hand findeth to do, do it with thy might," does not stop there. It also say elsewhere "do all to the glory of God"
Next God give us a wonderful ability to sacrifice. Not a popular decision in this day of self indulgence, but a well rewarded one for the child of God. The Apostle give encouragement as well as command to this for of lifestyle. Take Romans 12:1-2 for instance:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Here Paul pleads for self sacrifice, and promises a reward for it. Yet the reward may not be this life it is for certain in etnerity for the Christian.
How about you why do you strive? For fame, fortune, self-esteem? Or for the Glory of God? The workplace, home, or even the neighborhood.
