1 Corinthians 9:26: Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
In recent years, evangelical Christians have rediscovered the importance of personal discipline and the relationship between a disciplined body and a Spirit-filled life. We must, of course, avoid extremes. On the one hand, religious asceticism is unhealthy and of no value spiritually. But on the other hand, there is something to be said for disciplined eating, exercising, and resting, and a Spirit-directed balanced life. We smugly congratulate ourselves that we do not smoke or use alcohol, but what about our overeating and overweight? And many Christians cannot discipline their time so as to have a consistent devotional life or Bible-study program.
Paul had one great goal in life: to glorify the Lord by winning the lost and building up the saints. To reach this goal, he was willing to pay any price. He was willing even to give up his personal rights! He sacrificed immediate gains for eternal rewards, immediate pleasures for eternal joys. 1
Application
- How do you run your Christian race with certainty?
- Does your Christian life look like someone shadow boxing, or like one who is actually in the ring and contending for a “title?”
Thought to Share
A walk of certainty is a walk of one contending earnestly for the faith. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, keep me walking in the path of Psalm 1.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
