Paul's words on spiritual goals

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.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Paul was committed to spiritual growth, and made it his top priority. He encouraged other believers to run the race like one who wants to win...in other words, give it ALL you have. The best part of you, the freshest part of your day. Sometimes that's hard to imagine doing that while raising kids, managing homes, being wives...but God knows our reality. If we make an effort to begin on the right track toward having time with Him, He will make a way!

Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 msg

Discipline...is that a hard word for you? It's amazing how freeing discipline is in our children's lives. Have you ever struggled with a certain issue with your child, gone on for days or even weeks, struggling with the same thing? Then, you realize you're not enforcing discipline enough for them. For my oldest, Sophie, charts are such a helpful tool. She might still struggle with the issue for a little time, but the discipline of the chart and the reward of seeing her own success bring dramatic change! She is set free by the discipline to do the right thing, and in turn, she feels good about herself. It might be easier to see in our children, but the same principle applies to us! Enforcing discipline might feel painful at first, but in time, it's freeing and rewarding! God has designed us to be in relationship with Him.

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running and I'm not turning back.
So let's keep focused on that goal – those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.
Philippians 3:12-16 msg

Prepare
Do Paul's words encourage you? Do you feel challenged to start running the race like you want to win? How can you have your "eye on the goal" throughout each day? Has God ever "cleared your blurred vision" to help you see His goal for you?