“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.” I Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)
The truth is, our biggest hurdle in making the sacrificial commitments we’d like to make for Christ is often OURSELVES! We don't always feel like doing what we know is right to do! Sometimes we feel like doing what we know is the worst thing to do. Wouldn't it be great if they made a TV remote control for people! Circumstances become overwhelming - click - change channels. Can't wait patiently - click - fast forward. Afraid of the future - click - pause. Want to make up for a mistake - click - rewind. Wouldn't it be great if they made a remote control for self-control?
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:19 (NIV) “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” How do you do that? The key to self control is Christ control - the Bible says it is a fruit that God's spirit wants to bear in our lives. Paul talks about three areas of life that we need to make a commitment to if we are to follow his leadership in our lives in this area of a new sense of self control.
1. Excellence: “Run for the Prize…”
Don't run at the back, don't run with the pack but run for the prize. In a world where many are thinking it’s enough to have simply participated, we are challenged to strive for excellence.
2. Eternity: “Train for the crown…”
If the relatively small promise of a reward like a gold medal can motivate us to such great heights even on a human level - just think of what a focus on eternity could do!
3. Energy: “Aim for the goal”
If you’re running a race it’s good to have your eye on the finish line! Paul reminded us that those who reach the finish are those who make sacrifices. He said he “disciplined his body.” We have a choice. We become a slave to our passions or we live for Christ with the passion of a slave.
The truth is, our biggest hurdle in making the sacrificial commitments we’d like to make for Christ is often OURSELVES! We don't always feel like doing what we know is right to do! Sometimes we feel like doing what we know is the worst thing to do. Wouldn't it be great if they made a TV remote control for people! Circumstances become overwhelming - click - change channels. Can't wait patiently - click - fast forward. Afraid of the future - click - pause. Want to make up for a mistake - click - rewind. Wouldn't it be great if they made a remote control for self-control?
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:19 (NIV) “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” How do you do that? The key to self control is Christ control - the Bible says it is a fruit that God's spirit wants to bear in our lives. Paul talks about three areas of life that we need to make a commitment to if we are to follow his leadership in our lives in this area of a new sense of self control.
1. Excellence: “Run for the Prize…”
Don't run at the back, don't run with the pack but run for the prize. In a world where many are thinking it’s enough to have simply participated, we are challenged to strive for excellence.
2. Eternity: “Train for the crown…”
If the relatively small promise of a reward like a gold medal can motivate us to such great heights even on a human level - just think of what a focus on eternity could do!
3. Energy: “Aim for the goal”
If you’re running a race it’s good to have your eye on the finish line! Paul reminded us that those who reach the finish are those who make sacrifices. He said he “disciplined his body.” We have a choice. We become a slave to our passions or we live for Christ with the passion of a slave.
Family Discussion Question: Where do you need a renewed commitment to excellence… focus on eternity… discipline for energy?
No comments:
Post a Comment