Running the Race: Trading Ephemeral Crowns for Eternal Glory

Sometimes, you hear stories—stories of incredible feats of strength, endurance, or skill. You watch someone perform, and you think, "Wow. Look at that dedication. That must be the ultimate prize."

It’s easy, when we’re immersed in the day-to-day hustle of building Zion, to get caught up in the visible markers of success. We see the impressive build-ups, the milestones, the visible "wins." But as returned missionaries, as disciples who have seen the field from the other side, we know that the true measure of our labor isn't in the wreath we wear today, but in the eternal crown we are striving for.

Recently, I was reflecting on a conversation where the analogy of athletic competition came up. It was a powerful reminder that the world, whether through the Olympics or through modern societal pressures, is constantly showing us what "winning" looks like—and how fleeting those victories truly are.

“Do you not know that in a race that all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way to get the prize; everyone who competes in games goes into strict training…” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Paul’s words, echoing through the centuries, are a profound challenge to every disciple, whether you’re in the MTC preparing for your mission, serving in a stake center, or simply trying to live the Gospel in your own neighborhood. The commitment required—the discipline, the sacrifice, the daily grind—is immense. It demands that we treat our discipleship not as a hobby, but as a dedicated, lifelong training regimen.

The Difference Between Crowns

The speaker pointed out something striking when discussing the ancient wreaths—they were made of celery or pine needles. Beautiful, perhaps, in the moment, but ultimately disposable. They withered. They faded. They were temporary tokens of temporary effort.

Contrast that with the Crown of Glory. That crown, brothers and sisters, is eternal. It is the recognition of a life lived in service to the Savior. It’s the reward for enduring the "strict training" of keeping our covenants, even when the world around us seems to be pulling us in a million different directions.

This concept hits home when we think about what it means to be an internet missionary today. We don't always have the physical infrastructure of a mission field, but we are called to the same level of dedication. We are called to be disciples *anywhere*, all the time. Our "race" might involve deep scripture study in HolyPlaces, or perhaps wrestling with a difficult doctrinal question with Davee acting as an AI Investigator.

Be Christlike in All Things

The core message, drawn from the scriptures and the Spirit, is that our focus must always be upward. We must train our bodies, our minds, and our hearts—making them slaves to Christ—so that when the day comes, we are not disqualified from the prize. This means being unashamed of our faith, no matter the cultural winds blowing around us.

If you are feeling the pull of distraction, if the world's temporary accolades are starting to feel more appealing than the quiet work of the Gospel, remember the analogy. Focus on the eternal. Focus on the covenants. Let the knowledge that our efforts contribute to something everlasting fuel your daily commitment.

For those of you who are currently in mission prep, keep this image before you. Every early morning study session, every time you feel the need to push through fatigue—that’s part of the training. For those of us who have returned, remember that the work doesn't stop at the transfer point; it simply changes arena. We are called to be disciples in our callings, our families, and our communities.

If this talk resonated with you, I encourage you to dive deeper. Check out the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. Sometimes a focused reading on covenant keeping can re-ignite that runner's spirit!

Want to discuss how this applies to your local ward or stake? Join us for our weekly Disciple Challenge this week—it’s a great place to share insights from the field!