I Corinthians 9:24-27 In a race, everyone runs but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win. To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win. I'm not just shadow-boxing or playing around. Like an athlete I punish my body, treating it roughly, training it to do what it should, not what it wants to.
1 Corinthians 10:13 Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust GOD to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it, for HE has promised this and will do what HE says. [Living Bible translation]
Summary
In I Corinthians 9:24-27, the Apostle Paul describes the need to be disciplined and to persevere. Paul also describes the battle that each of us must wage against our bodily desires to do things that prevent us from winning our goals. With regard to food goals, the body may want to overeat or indulge itself, even though it may be detrimental to our own general health. With regard to fitness goals, the body may become sluggish or demanding, requesting that we give full attention to every joint pain or discomfort. With regard to spiritual goals, the body may wants to become the center of attention, requesting constant stimulation (e.g. watching TV, creating anxieties for us to "fret" about) rather than allowing quiet meditation on the Word of GOD or cause us to forget to have simple FAITH. The body may insists on priorities that focus on itself (e.g. constant shopping, overspending, ignoring other people and focusing of one's own needs and wants) rather than GOD . Paul says it's a real battle! But, it is a battle GOD can win!
Some of the training tips that Paul gives us include the following:
- Run your race to win.
- Be prepared to deny yourself.
- Aim for "the best".
- Run with purpose in every step.
- Be prepared to make the body uncomfortable—that is part of the training.*
- Remember, you are not alone. Others have encountered problems on the way to victory too.
- Trust GOD—HE is more powerful than YOU. HE wants the BEST for YOU. HE promised never to leave us. And, HE keeps HIS promises.
*If you have a medical problem or an injury be sure to consult your personal physician about your exercise or dietary goals.
SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS
- Select a Biblical goal. For example, "I will treat my body as if it is the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT." Then:
Find scripture that speaks to the goal. For example:
1 Cor. 6:15 states: "Do you not know that your bodies are members of CHRIST HIMSELF?"
1 Cor. 6:19 states: "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT, who is in you, whom you have received from GOD." - Pray and meditate about the goal. Make sure the goal "lines up" with other scripture, the promises of GOD and the WILL of GOD. (For example, Roman 12:1 says: "[P]resent your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD, which is your reasonable service.")
- Seek Biblical help. Prepare some flash cards or notes to remind yourself why your goal is a GODLY goal. (For example: "I can do all things through CHRIST. (Philippians 4:13))
- Create an action and plan some steps. Write down an action that is consistent with the goal (e.g. I will monitor the foods that enter into "my temple." Then create some simple action steps for implementing the goal (For example, I will make a list of foods I think I would want to serve the HOLY SPIRIT before I do my shopping; I will pray about each food item I buy and read the labels to make sure what I am buying is natural and not full of artificial chemicals. Every night I will make a list and pray about what I have eaten). It is important that you not try to do too much at a time. Remember this is a joint project—you and the HOLY SPIRIT. Don't try to do it all yourself. It will take time to complete one action goal.
- Monitor the plan and steps. For example, buy the necessary raw foods you need, make lists, review what you have done each week, and pray.
- Prepare for battle. Prepare to deny yourself. For example, get rid of those things that will tempt you. Or, create some action steps that will help you "not" yield to temptation. For example, clean out the refrigerator. Get rid of can foods that you would not want to "serve" GOD. Create some scriptural flash card that you can use to remind yourself of your goal and GOD's WILL when you feel "spiritually weak."
- Visualize winning: Visualize yourself getting stronger. Laugh! Be joyful! Short circuit any anxiety.
- Persevere: This is about service to GOD, who has already promised the victory! Read about other people in the Bible. Examine their challenges. Examine how they achieved their goals. Don't expect it to be easy. Be prepared to "fight the good fight and win!"
If you have a medical problem, consult your personal physician to make sure your action steps are medically sound. Ask questions. Seek medical advice. Perhaps your physician can refer you to a nutritionists (e.g. if you have a food goal) or a physical therapist (e.g. if you have a physical goal) or some other medical expert who will help you create action steps consistent with your present condition.
GET IN THE RACE
Every race has a start line. Every race requires lots of steps. Every runner sweats! We can all run together. Each runner helps to propel the whole group toward victory!
The beginning of the year is a great time to start to run.
Have faith, run to win and Be Blessed!
