“24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)
It is fascinating at the discipline of athletes, musicians, artists, and frankly anyone that has become great at what they do. Their greatness is largely based on the work that they put into their craft. Yes, some are naturally gifted and things come easy to them, however those are the anomaly and the percentage of those that put in the work far out number the anomalies.
I have to remember that my walk with Christ is not a cake walk and I have to work continuously at it. I want to great in the eyes of Christ and the only way for me to get there (though I know that I will never reach the pinnacle) I have to remain disciplined.
I speak to my boys about the things that they do and what I say to them often is to be deliberate in their actions. I remind them not to go after things without thinking them through and understanding the greater consequences of their actions. Yes, there are times when things come so fast and furious that the decision making process is a bit muddied and the deliberate actions we take are left to chance, those times should be met with self-control and discipline based on what is known and on previous experience with fast decisions before.
I have been left to do the work of God here in this world and in doing so, I owe it to Him to give it my best. My best is to “discipline my body and keep it under control” so that my actions will be in the best interest of the work of Christ and not of my own idea of winning or losing. I must remain deliberate and exercise self-control in all of my dealings to be sure that I am working for Christ.
When you are in situations, how do you approach them? Are you able to sit and work exclusively for Christ in all that you do? Are you being deliberate and exercising self-control in all of your dealings?
Trevor's Thoughts 