One-minute read.
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
1 Corinthians 9:25
Every other year, the people of Corinthian hosted the Isthmian athletic games, which included running and boxing. The winner received a laurel or celery wreath crown that would wither. Paul used the games as an example, explaining that we should discipline and train ourselves in the Gospel to run the race and receive the crown that will never perish: eternal life with Christ.
Using self-control, Paul does not run the race as an undisciplined runner but as a trained athlete, and so should we. Preaching the Gospel, Paul taught about Jesus and lived by Christ’s teaching. Like all followers of Jesus, the apostle has confidence in God’s sovereign grace but recognizes his sin battle, ever vigilant not to let it hinder his race.
Staying sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings will help us quickly deal with sin. Guiding us like a shepherd with sheep, the Spirit’s staff nudges us back on the straight and narrow path when we begin to stray. Athletes know when they do something that will hinder their training: eating junk food, not getting enough rest, or skipping a workout. All those things will cause them not to perform at their peak. In the same way, when we let sin slither into our lives, it hinders our mission. Until we deal with the issue, we will stumble in the race. Accepting the Lord’s correction through His Spirit helps us finish well and win the crown that will never perish.
Application:
God provides an imperishable crown for His children.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us Paul’s letters to help us live well for Jesus, training and persevering on our mission to love You and others while spreading the Gospel’s good news. Help us run our race well, acquiring eternal life with You as our reward.
IJNIP. Amen
