Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24–25
Living a disciplined life is a major part of our walk with our Lord Jesus Christ. We read in 1 Corinthians 9:24–25, “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. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” God had Paul use runners and other athletes as examples of those who compete to win. Those athletes willingly submit themselves to extensive physical and mental training before ever competing in the games. They also have to exercise discipline and self-control in what they eat, drink, their sleep schedule, and in everything else they do. God desires that we run this race of life, as Christians, as those who will do whatever it takes to win. Just as athletes who are serious about winning will never compromise in their training, so we, as Christians, must never compromise in our walk with our Lord. We must train daily by memorizing Scripture, passionately pursuing our intimacy with our Lord each day, denying our fleshly desires and crucifying them daily, sharing Christ with those around us, and living a life that is above reproach. We don’t do it to earn God’s favor, but instead, we do it because we already have God’s favor through Christ our Lord. What we receive back is priceless, for we get to look forward to hearing our Lord say to us, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”
Challenge & Application
How disciplined is your current walk with our Lord, and what areas do you need to be more disciplined in?
What areas of your spiritual life have you grown in, and how can you help others to do the same?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!