1 Corinthians 9:24-27
English Standard Version
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control,[a]lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

This talks about what we pursue in our lives, what are we pursuing? If we pursue service, it indicates that our faith has run aground.
What we pursue is something we live; service can be destructive if we only pursue service, but forget that what we should pursue is the Lord Jesus.
We must continue to have a good relationship with God. We must continue to live with the Lord Jesus.
We must be diligent and serious, and have time with God.
We only pursue our daily lives.
If we live right we will return to Heaven, we must maintain our faith, be serious before God, it cannot be replaced by any service or good deeds.
If there is something more important than our relationship with God, then something is wrong.