1 Corinthians 9:24-27 / Our Relentless Pursuit.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 / Our Relentless Pursuit.
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Although it varies by sport, the average Olympic athlete trains for 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. To get to the Olympic level requires extreme, all out commitment, or as Paul says, “self-control in all things.” To those who dream of gold, silver, or bronze, their life is completely devoted to accomplishing that one task.
What do you think would happen if every believer lived out their calling to “go and make disciples” with the same focus and intensity?
In 1 Corinthians 9 Paul was defending his ministry against some critics and as a defense he shared throughout the chapter about his relentless pursuit of making the Gospel known. Paul wanted them to know that he was doing everything humanly possible to share the news of the Gospel. He wanted them to know that he was approaching his calling with the same mindset and determination of an Olympic athlete. His entire life was focused on this calling to glorify God and make disciples, and because of that calling, he lived every minute intentionally. He didn’t want to do anything that would disqualify him from the mission or keep him from being effective.
But notice something, although Paul said “I do not run…I do not box…I discipline my body…” in verses 26-27, he started with “you know that in a race…run that you may obtain it…but we an imperishable (wreath).”
Paul ended with his personal example, but he started by appealing to OUR calling as believers. He wanted US to run our race with intensity and focus. He wanted us to live, or “run” like we are actually trying to win - not just floating through life, but intentionally fulfilling our calling.
So, that begs the question: As those given the same calling to “go and make disciples” – how are we running our race?
Where are we wasting time doing things that are not accomplishing our mission (boxing the air)?
How are we disciplining ourselves for the ministry to which we’ve been called?
What distractions are causing us to “run aimlessly"?
This week I invite you to join me in doing some honest, shame-free self-evaluation. Let’s ask the Lord for areas where we could be more intentional for His Kingdom and for ways we can make the greatest impact during our short time on this earth.
The glory winning Olympic athletes experience is truly incredible, but it pales in comparison to the imperishable prize coming to those who live on mission for Christ.
So run with a relentless pursuit towards that calling you’ve been given, you won’t regret it!
With much love,
Pastor Dave
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