Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should...
Devotional: I love to win. I suppose it’s been ingrained in me, having been raised in the most competitive of families. Our family gatherings always had some form of competition that usually got out of hand, because it was all about winning!
I remember years ago when I first read today’s passage of Scripture, I was both challenged and inspired, for it opened my eyes to the kind of winning that really matters for all eternity: doing all things, all out, for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul uses a running metaphor to demonstrate the kind of commitment and discipline in which you and I can be purposeful, that we might see many lives transformed by Jesus.
We are being called to train ourselves for the marathon that the Christian life is - a lifelong pursuit of Christ so that we may be more like Him. And that we might share His love with all people in all situations. It’s not always an easy endeavor, but one that reaps great rewards.
When you look at Scripture, we’re never told to try to be more godly. The Bible never tells you to try to honor God with your faith. The Bible never tells you to try to be healthier or try to be more disciplined. Instead, it says, train. Discipline yourself, just as an athlete does, and train your body to obey you, instead of you obeying your body’s fleshly impulses.
Training takes commitment. And commitment is more than just good intentions. So think about the commitment you currently have in training yourself in godliness. And remember, training is something you do consistently, and with continual growth.
Reflect:
- List all the ways you are currently training yourself for godliness.
- If you’re lacking in commitment to train, what pledges might you make to begin your training?