"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV
Wrestlers keep a close watch of their diet to make weight qualifications. Runners train in speed and agility. Swimmers practice technique and performance. Football players train in physical and tactical aspects. All sports have their own athletic training that goes into creating well-rounded athletes and teams. Its intent is to enhance performance, to strengthen athletes, and to overall win the competition. Get the medal, win the trophy, place in the top 3, etc.!
Much like athletes train for their sport, how are we training for the race that is set before us? How are we training for the spiritual battle all around us? How are we training as soldiers fighting in the Lord's army?
Are we taking up spiritual disciplines? Are we doing the work that needs to be done to advance the kingdom?
All these athletes are working toward a physical reward that they can not take with them after they leave this world, but we are striving towards Heaven and eternal treasures! Are we acting like it? Are we investing in our eternity and our relationship with the Lord as we should? Or are we investing more in this temporary life?
These verses speak volumes and awakens something in the depths of my spirit.
The commentary from Bible Reference explains the last verse like this: "He practices self-control in much the same way as an athlete in training and continues to discipline his body with strict self-control over diet, exercise, sleep, and other behaviors... Paul says he 'beats up' his body, like a boxer, to toughen himself for the sake of his spiritual stamina. Paul remains in this state of continual training because he does not want to be disqualified" (“What does 1 Corinthians 9:27 mean?”).
Wow. That, to me, is just awing and a wake-up call. Am I striving to win first place in the race? Am I putting in the work to train and be equipped for the race ahead of me? I think that is just so beautiful the life that Paul leads. He beats up his own body, puts himself through the pain and trials because he knows there is benefit on the other side. There is a reward for the pain he endures. He is toughened by the trials to then have stamina to continue on. He remains in spiritual training to fight the fight and win the race so that all may be reached with the message of the Gospel.
Paul states in Acts that he is innocent of the blood, or in other words, it is not his fault if anyone around him suffers eternal death because he has done everything in his power to reach everyone with the message of the Gospel (Acts 20:26). How inspiring, the boldness, the courage, and the heart for the lost Paul embodies to go preach.
Are we putting effort into our walk to lead by example? Are we intentionally training and feeding our spirit with nourishing things? Are we running aimlessly or on mission? (1 Corinthians 9:26).
I pray you all are touched by these verses, but not just hyped up- truly moved to action, to make a change and to run as to get the prize. I pray you are not running aimlessly but are genuinely on mission running the race set before you. I pray you are moved to put in the work necessary to be equipped and fight the good fight. I pray the Lord moves you in boldness and courage to reach everyone around you that you may be innocent of anyone's blood. Move forward in power, faith, and preparation to continue on! Peace be with you all!
With love,
Ava Santiago :)
Work Cited
“What does 1 Corinthians 9:27 mean?” BibleRef.com, https://www.bibleref.com/1-Corinthians/9/1-Corinthians-9-27.html. Accessed 7 May 2024.
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