Tennis champion Hana Mandlikova was once asked how she felt about defeating great players like Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert Lloyd. She responded, "Any big win means that all the suffering, practicing, and traveling are worth it. I feel like I own the world." When asked how long that feeling lasts, she replied, "About 2 minutes."

The Bible tells about the fleeting nature of fame and fortune. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon cited the endless repetition of temporary accomplishments (Eccl. 6). Isaiah compared life to a wildflower that quickly wilts and fades (Isa. 40:6-8). And the apostle John said that "the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever" (1 Jn. 2:17).

That's Paul's attitude in today's text. He knew the pains of personal sacrifice in going for the big win. The difference between him and an athlete, however, was his purpose. He was striving for more than 2 minutes of ecstasy; he was going for an "eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor. 4:17).

Winning big has earthly rewards. But we must dedicate ourselves to achieving a more important victory--the eternal approval of our heavenly Father (Phil. 3:7-14). That's the biggest win of all.  — Mart De Haan