1 Corinthians 9:24-27
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, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
In this passage Paul likens our life to a race. To win the race, we have to discipline and train our bodies: "Every athlete exercises self-control" (verse 25), "I discipline my body and keep it under control" (verse 27). The analogy to our spiritual life is obvious: if we are to finish well, to receive the prize (verse 24), then we need to discipline ourselves, and put the work in to improve ourselves. Athletes don't become champions just by dreaming about it while sitting in front of the TV. They work hard, pushing themselves to improve. We need the same work ethic to grow in purity and become more like Christ. It is easy to say that we desire purity, but what are we actually doing to achieve that goal?
God, I wish that purity and spiritual maturity was easier. I confess to often being lazy rather than disciplined. Help me to keep my eye on the prize, and to discipline my body.
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, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
In this passage Paul likens our life to a race. To win the race, we have to discipline and train our bodies: "Every athlete exercises self-control" (verse 25), "I discipline my body and keep it under control" (verse 27). The analogy to our spiritual life is obvious: if we are to finish well, to receive the prize (verse 24), then we need to discipline ourselves, and put the work in to improve ourselves. Athletes don't become champions just by dreaming about it while sitting in front of the TV. They work hard, pushing themselves to improve. We need the same work ethic to grow in purity and become more like Christ. It is easy to say that we desire purity, but what are we actually doing to achieve that goal?
God, I wish that purity and spiritual maturity was easier. I confess to often being lazy rather than disciplined. Help me to keep my eye on the prize, and to discipline my body.