I was a basketball and football player growing up, not a track star (however I did set the Norco HS Junior Varsity record in high jump). I was fast when I was young, but didn’t enjoy running after that. Even today, I don’t run very much. There is a race that is super important. Its our spiritual race. That’s the metaphor Paul uses to describe how we should live our lives. He says we should run to win. And then he says we should “box” in a way that is effective. We should discipline or buffet our body so we are tough enough to endure the spiritual challenges in life. All of this so that when we preach we live up to what we are preaching.
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. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; but I strictly discipline (buffet) my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB
What are my spiritual disciplines? How is my prayer and devotional life?
God as this day begin- Please continue to place within me a desire for Your Word and constant prayer. May as spiritually fit as an Olympic athlete.
