Discipline Yourself for Victory

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬-‭27‬ - “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.”

In his first letter to the Corinthian church, Paul gives an athletic reference in explaining how he works to bring the Gospel to all who would listen. The whole chapter is rich with solid teachings, but for this blog, we will be focusing on the final few verses.

As a former athlete, I relate to what Paul is discussing. So did the Corinthians. Athletes compete to win. We live in a time where participation trophies have ruined the competitive nature of much in our society, but especially our athletics. Paul clearly debunks the idea of participation trophies by saying only one competitor wins the prize. As Christians, we should be running toward the prize of eternal life. Unlike athletics, the reward of eternal life is not promised to only one believer, but to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ. If you claim to have faith in Jesus, are you running in the race that leads to eternal life? What in your life reflects the life a Christian should be living? If your faith is genuine, you will be eagerly running the race.

Paul says every athlete disciplines themselves by exercising self-control. If you’ve competed at anything in life at any level, you know what he is talking about. In order to excel at something, you must discipline yourself and put in the work. As a baseball player, this meant dieting, exercising, and working to perfect my craft as a pitcher. As a witness of Jesus Christ, this means, devoting myself to prayer, reading the Word diligently, and actively seeking opportunities to glorify Him in word and deed. None of this is to be done aimlessly. As a pitcher, each throw was intentional and done to perfect my craft. As a minister of the Gospel, each act of discipline done in humility and submission to the Lord sanctifies me and prepares me for greater and greater works for His Kingdom.

It is important for Christians to take their faith seriously. Do not preach the Gospel and then live in an undisciplined and ungodly manner that disqualifies your teachings and your efforts to promote Christ. Each day is an opportunity for us to draw near to Him, in order that we may humbly serve Him and encourage others to place their faith in Him.

Here’s a brief summary of what to do next:

1. Place your faith in Jesus Christ!

2. Get in the game, and run to win!

3. Discipline yourself daily by yielding to the Holy Spirit, learning to trust Him in all things as He continually sanctifies you and prepares you for the reward of eternal life.