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. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
| If you follow sports at all these days, you know successful athletes today are committed to their training, and in a world of metrics and scientific measurements, preparation is the key to their success, and that preparation is marked by their physical discipline. In the passage above, Paul expresses his desire to avoid the consequences of being disqualified and encourages us to follow his example. Paul’s use of illustrations from the athletic world again tells us of his commitment to communicating with his audience. Just like today, a sports reference often connects with others. We know what it means to run around aimlessly. We can see the futility of boxing the air and failing to make your goal and so we understand that a Christian is to live a disciplined life. Anything less can result in a tragic and sometimes public failure. You probably know a few, don’t you? An old friend mentioned to me today the concept of crossing the bloodline. He generally means that some people who claim to have faith in Christ, all too often cross the line of self-discipline and essentially fail to practice what they preach. There is a price to pay. Most of us have areas where we lack discipline, but to avoid just the embarrassment of being disqualified, we must be purposeful in our approach. What steps can we take today to strengthen our lives? |
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