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. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1 Corinthians 9:25-27
In her book White House Pets, Margaret Truman Daniel told the stories not only of her beloved Irish setter Mike, but of the animals of many of the other families who occupied 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. One of the stories she told was set during the administration of President Ulysses Grant. Several of his dogs had fallen ill and died of unknown causes. His son Jesse was extremely concerned that his new dog, a Newfoundland named Faithful, would be next. Grant held a meeting with the White House steward which his son later recounted. He said, “Jesse has a new dog. You may have noticed that his former pets have been particularly unfortunate. When this dog dies, every employee in the White House will be at once discharged.” According to the story the dog enjoyed excellent health throughout the rest of Grant’s time in office.
When people have a strong motivation, they can accomplish a great number of things that are difficult or even things that seem impossible. Paul endured great hardship and affliction, being persecuted for preaching the gospel, but he recognized that the greatest battle he faced was not external but internal. He wanted to ensure that his years of faithful work for God would not be undone and he would be disqualified from ministry. He wanted to receive his full reward, not for his own glory, but so he would earn crowns he could lay at Jesus’ feet. “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:10–11).
