Are you disciplined for Christ?

Have you ever met someone so excited for the gospel? You can just tell by their presence that they are saved and truly love God. They aren’t throwing it in your face but rather just living out the Christian life. Paul was like this and though a lot of people saw this, he was still persecuted while being followed by his fellow believers.

“Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. However, they do it to receive a crown that will fade away, but we a crown that will never fade away. Therefore I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Hcsb Bible

This passage is right after Paul talking about how he would be like a Jew to bring them to God and to be like a gentile/Greek to bring them to God. This is not saying that he was sinning in order to bring them to God but rather he wouldn’t do something to offend his current audience so that they may come to Christ. His character never changed even though his audience did on a constant basis. How many of us can say the same thing?

The passage talks about how a runner who disciplines everything he has to bring home the prize. If you look at top athletes today in the Olympics and the greats in their respective sports, you will notice that their entire schedule revolves around what will help them when the first place trophy or give them an edge over their competitors.

Paul says that he puts his body under discipline and everything he does so that others can come to know Christ. He does this so he doesn’t become disqualified because of supposed hypocrisy or accusations that would put him in a bad light. His entire existence is for the advancement of the kingdom.

That’s why he can still have the same character despite the revolving number of people that he encounters throughout his life. He may talk about different things with different people but he doesn’t sin so that they may know God.

So I have to ask you, are you disciplining your body for Christ or are you just a casual follower. I hope you have a great day and if you have any questions or disagreements just comment below or message me.