I Discipline My Body to Win the Prize Imperishable
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NASB)
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
SUMMARY
This passage reminds us that in a worldly race only one receives the prize, so we ought to run in such a way that we may win. Paul explains that a worldly race requires self-control, and people do it to win a perishable wreath, where for us, the price is imperishable. Thereafter Paul explains that his race is with clear aim and direction, that he disciplines his body to the point of slavery so that he will not be disqualified from the heavenly race.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
Paul demonstrates the need for such a high standard of disciplining our bodies to a level of mastery and submission just like in slavery. This shows us the high standard he places on the need to have self-control in our actions so we can be worthy of the calling of preaching and sharing the gospel. It also demonstrates the fragility of ourselves in falling apart or falling away from the right race when we lack mastery of our bodies, hence the clear importance on discipline.
APPLICATION
This passage speaks to me in all the little things I must learn to discipline my body, from waking up consistently early in the morning, from making myself do qt even if I feel tired or sleepy, from exercising to retain the health of the temple of God in me, from eating healthy and on time to stay healthy, from sleeping early, enough, and consecutive hours for a healthy sleeping pattern, so I can be at optimal condition to serve the Lord, and to share his gospel, so that my existence fulfills his will. I also think of self discipline in eating less sweets when stressed, in watching less entertainment to calm my nerves, to reading articles to forget the reality of what is going on, so bringing back all my worries, concerns, and burdens before God and surrendering to him. Likewise I will surrender all my thoughts, my ideas, the distractions that divert my attention away from God.
PRAYER
God help me live a life worthy of your calling, help me discipline my body, so I can control it, and I can master it just like Paul. Teach me the way, show me how you want me to walk in this race where the standards are grey and I am confused and torn in deciding between importance and urgency. Help me pursue the right path and run the right race, so I am not distracted, lost in focus, and I veer into my wrong ways. I thank you for always being so faithful, blocking the wrong paths, and opening the path where there seems to be no way. You are indeed a God of miracles, though many things are impossible for men, nothing is impossible with God. I thank you that even in my lack of discipline, in my constantly falling short of your glory, and in my constant aimless walking forgetting the right direction, you are always so patient, so faithful, so kind, so graceful and merciful of everything I miss in the race. I praise You just for who You are, for nothing compares to the peace and love we have when we are in your presence. I pray that I am self disciplined enough to remember, remind myself, and live diligently as best as I can, let me do everything through you, not in my own strength, because without you, I can not do anything.
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