I Corinthians 9
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.
Several
times in the New Testament, the Christian life is likened to a race. In this
passage, Paul again makes this comparison. He says we are running this race and
we need to do so in a way that in the end, we obtain the prize. We need to live
intentionally with self-control while disciplining our flesh.
Think
about the marathon runner. They don’t just wake up one day and decide to go run
a race. Preparation is made. They train for months before hand. They devote a
lot of time each week as they prepare for the long distance run. When its time
for the race, they are intentional about what they eat, what they wear, and the
pace they set out with.
The
diligence shown by the runner is what Paul is prescribing for the Christian. We
shouldn’t be living as Christians with Christ as an afterthought. Our faith is
more than just church Sunday or prayers before meals and bedtime. Live intentionally
for Christ. Discipline your flesh and don’t let its desires overwhelm you. Run
diligently, seeking to further the kingdom of God.
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