Inspirational Thought of the Day:
Live this life like a race – run for God. It will be worth it all.
Scripture of the Day:
1 Corinthians 9:23-25
23″ I do all these things because of the Gospel, so that I can be a participant in it. 24 Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win. 25 Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. 26 So I do not run uncertainly or box like one who hits only air. 27 Instead I subdue my body and make it my slave, so that after preaching to others I myself will not be disqualified.”
Because of One Who would choose to die for us all, we cannot just merely live the life He saved. Our flesh tires and distractions abound, but we who were spared eternal punishment must run.
Complacency and comfort beckon us to slow down and cause our pace to slow, but those Who have received such lavish mercy must choose to stay focused on the mission at hand. People will also try to break our pace and get us to focus on temporary things, but the child of God has to remember our purpose – to fulfill God’s purposes and not our own and to live for Christ alone.
We were not saved just to enjoy the freedom Christ gives. We were not rescued from damnation to just to live lives of pleasure. We were not granted amazing grace to pursue success according to the word’s standard. We were saved to be the LORD’s workmanship. Saved to share this unconditional love with others so that they might receive mercy. Saved to know and enjoy our God and make Him known.
This life is a race, friends, and it is at a frenetic pace. It requires sober-mindedness and discipline – words my flesh does not appreciate. But the term used in the verse above speaks of “exercising” self-control. We have to work on it. Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, which also requires a choice to be made. Will we walk after the flesh or after the Spirit? Will we deny our flesh or God?
Sometimes I just want to rest, but I realize God grants rest to us when we need it. It is hard to rise early, hard to live a disciplined life. But the runner for Jesus rises again and continues in the race, looking at the promises of God as our reward. Run, friends. Jesus is at the finish line and His reward will be more than worth living a life for self on this earth.
Lord, help us to stay focused on You in this life and to live worthy lives for Your glory. May others see our progress and give You the glory.
Good insights from God’s Word, Denise. Although I have read this passage many times, I had never thought of how Paul used the word “exercise” self-control. It truly is an “exercise”; and an exercise in self-discipline. Since I got up early to exercise my body with my personal trainer and to exercise my soul & spirit through time with God in His Word; I appreciate your perspective that it truly is an exercise in self-discipline. I didn’t feel like exercising this morning! Thanks for your words of insight and encouragement.
Jeff,
That word is what stuck out to me, too. Like Paul, we press on. May we be counted faithful! Thanks for sharing your insight, too!
We were not saved to enjoy what we have. Diligence is tiresome but rewarding in the end. Your posts seems to be speaking to me these days. Or maybe it’s you speaking to me then echoing it in your posts. Hmmm…Either way, I ‘m grateful. ?
And I am grateful you read them. I hunger after God and my prayer is that people will see how good He really is. Glad to have you along for the ride! 🙂