Discipline to Win the Prize

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

As a runner or a boxer keeps his eyes on the prize and so endures all kinds of hardship, so believers must keep their eyes on Christ, following Him, seeking to please Him. Our prize? Eternal life in heaven with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Believers “do not run like someone running aimlessly,” without purpose or direction, no, we run as Jesus has told us to run, we have prepared ourselves in His words, doing what pleases Him.

We “do not fight like a boxer beating the air,” no, we continually keep ourselves spiritually fit. We submit to Christ, we do not allow our body to control us, no, we discipline ourselves that we may please Him. Discipline is not always fun, but it is necessary to win the prize of eternal life with Jesus

Prayer:
Lord, my quest is to run my race to the best of my ability. My one desire is to please You. The prize for my faithfulness is a crown of life, and I’m thankful for that, but my desire is to live with You forever. I subject myself to daily discipline in order that I may hear the words; “well done good and faithful servant, enter the joys of the Lord.”