The Need for Self-Discipline
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
At the beginning of this year, Mike Gonzalez, an FBCW church member, decided he needed to get back into shape. His resolution: 30 minutes of exercise a day to close all three rings on his watch. After months of training and meeting his goal, he found a trainer to challenge him and decided he would enter a triathlon. At the South Padre Island Triathlon, Mike annihilated the competition and earned 1st place in the Masters Division (Over 40) and 2nd overall beating men half his age!
Mike feels great. He has lost over 40 lbs. He can’t stop training - even on his rest days. Every now and then he eats poorly on a cheat day and he fells physically terrible. He has trained his body so well, he no longer craves the things that would hurt him, but instead longs for the things that make him healthier.
Mike’s medal may not last forever, but the manner in which he has made his body into a slave can be applied to all of our Christian lives. It took self-discipline; it took someone to help him train; and it took a little technology to encourage him (think daily devotionals sent via email). The Christian prize we strive for has already been won in Christ Jesus. Still, Paul challenges us to live our lives in training for Christ by closing our Christian exercise rings of daily prayer, scripture reading, fellowship and preaching.
What self-discipline do you need as you train for Christ?
What goals can we set for our Christian training?
How can you preach the gospel to others?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for stories of success like Mike’s. May stories like these inspire us to be good stewards of the bodies you have given us and remind us to train for your kingdom and your glory. Help us to continually train for you and preach the gospel in word and deed.
Amen
Ray Sanchez is the Pastor of Worship and Administration at FBCW. Mike Gonzalez is Pastor Ray’s Physician and has advised him to exercise and stay off carbs. Ray’s fantasy football team, Sermon on the Mount, is now 2-2 and is tied for 6th place in the Baptist Ballers Fantasy Football League.