1 Corinthians 9:24-27 AMP “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours!
25 Now every athlete who [goes into training and] competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable [crown that cannot wither].
26 Therefore, I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air [just shadow boxing].
27 But [like a boxer] I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached [the gospel] to others, I myself will not somehow be disqualified [as unfit for service].”
Whether at work, school, home, driving, store, or church, you must represent as the best and be excellent in all you do. You are in a spiritual race each day, and what you sow each day, whether in excellence or complaint, will be your reward down the road, called your future.
Look at verse 26, “Therefore I do not run without a definite goal; I do not flail around like one beating the air.”
Do you just go to work, dragging your feet half asleep, because you have no gratitude or goal? Do you go to class to just get a diploma or degree that has no depth? Do you go to church week after week and have learned little? Are you in a marriage because you have no choice now? As the Bible asks, do you live life without a definite goal? Are you praying for financial freedom, only expecting some miracle like a suitcase to fall on your head? The promised land requires you to get up, educate, learn skills, keep your Godly duties, and fight the battles God has for you. Do you just close your eyes and throw a punch or dart, hoping to hit the bullseye?
The Bible tells us to STRICTLY discipline your body and subdue and master it, and not let your carnal flesh control you. Is food your master, or are you the master of food? Is money your master, or are you the master of your money? Are you conquering your doubt, fear, insecurity, selfishness, your own righteousness, anxiety, offense, unforgiveness, porn, internet, and the inability to move forward as such sins become the master of you? Is Sin still your master? Will this lead to your disqualification, as verse 27 hints?
How do you break free? Be gracious, grateful, and excellent in all you do and give of yourself!
Additional Comments:
Your carnal flesh or the old man will prevent you from moving forward spiritually, financially, being able to love, in authority and position, and all the above. Where you decide to stop in the race because you are tired and taxed out, it will be the level you choose. The bible says, ” According to your faith, let it be so. You may pray for more, but you must choose to continue to go more to have more. Your heart and mind must expand to receive more of what God desires to give.
You do not have to be a pastor to preach the Bible nor promote God. If you declare you are a Christian or tell others you believe in God, then the actions of your life, the words that come out of your mouth, and how you live are considered preaching.
Are you then showing and living in excellence, representing our Father God properly?
Senior Pastor Steve Kim