"Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air." {1 Corinthians 9:26}

Paul, in his first letter to the church in Corinth, discusses his race to win the "incorruptible crown" for which he strove. All Christians are running this race for that crown. Let's look at some suggestions that may help us achieve the desired outcome.

In the religious world today, those who search for the truth find little more than confusion. There are many churches, many different creeds, many who believe they are heaven-bound, and even some who believe there is NO WAY TO BE CERTAIN which is the right way!

Who is right, and who is wrong? Has God left us with no way to unravel the truth? Man--not God--has created these problems.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." {Matthew 7:7,8} The key to finding the right path is to look in the right place. "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." {John 5:39} People need to be like the Bereans. "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." {Acts 17:11} If we take the time to look, and to check the scriptures--we can know for certain.

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." {2 Timothy 3:16,17} Also read 2 Peter 1:19,20. God left us a blueprint and instructions to guide our footsteps through life. Man alone cannot know the direction in which to travel (Jeremiah 10:23). He must look beyond his own wisdom to the wisdom and path from above (1 Corinthians 2:4,5; Colossians 3:1,2).

What must I do to be saved? Should I pray at the mourner's bench? Can I speak in tongues? What about the direct operation of the Holy Spirit? What does the good book say? HEAR--Romans 10:17. BELIEVE--John 8:24. REPENT--Acts 17:30. CONFESS--Romans 10:9,10. BE BAPTIZED--Acts 2:38. Yes, we can know what God wants us to do to be saved, if we consult the right source.

The one who consults God's book can answer with certainty, any question, concerning any spiritual matter. God is not the author of all this confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Are you running with certainty? If not, the problem may lie with where you are looking for answers to life's questions. Try God's book--in eternity, you will not be disappointed.