Eyes on the Prize not the Price
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.(NIV) Hebrews 12:2
Let’s focus on two English words, both of which start with the letter “P”; Price and Prize. Price refers to the cost involved in acquiring or achieving something while prize refers to the reward received as a result of attaining something. The life of Christ, as described in Heb. 12:2, epitomizes the meanings of the words price and prize. We realize in Heb. 12:2 that Christ had His eyes fixed on the prize (the joy set before Him). As a result of His focus, He was willing to pay the price required – enduring the cross and its shame.
Much too often in our lives, we tend to focus on the “hefty” price that we need to pay as Christians in order to live our lives according to God’s will. We look at all the pleasures of this world and wonder if we really have to forsake these pleasures to be pleasing to God. Although such questions are normal, given the fact that we are human beings, it is important for us to realize that the more we focus on the price we have to pay, the more difficult it will be for us to please God in our lives.
Christ weighed the price (the cross, its shame and death) against the prize (sitting at the right hand of God); He chose to pay the price just so that He could attain the prize. What is the price that God has asked us to pay in our lives today? May be He wants you to part ways with the bad group of friends you have? May be He wants me to say goodbye to sexual immorality? For someone else, may be God wants him to love the very person who always tries his best to hurt him? It does not matter who you are, there is a price that God wants you to pay.
Today, let’s try to weigh the price that each of us must pay in our own individual lives against the prize (eternal life and bliss) that awaits us in our heavenly home. It is my prayer that as we do this comparison of price against prize, we shall follow in Jesus’ footsteps and focus on the prize that awaits us. By so doing, we shall find the strength, like Jesus did, to endure all that comes our way so that one day, eternal joy and bliss, shall be our portion.