I Corinthians 9:26, 27
“Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
Paul is sold out for God’s Kingdom. We hope to be as well. I agree with the prayer, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done”. I attempt to obey as much as possible.
As a young christian, I imagined God being much more demanding on me. The christian tradition I grew up in emphasized sacrifice. I didn’t understand His love or grace at all. Jesus’ words about His yoke being easy and light didn’t register. I certainly didn’t have rest for my soul.
I attempted to do what God said, at least what I imagined Him saying. It wasn’t the scriptural charges and commands I’m talking about. But the personal things we think God is asking of us. Thank the Lord I was wrong. It wasn’t His voice at all. My conscience was way too harsh.
Upon hearing the message of God’s love and grace, my soul sighed in relief. I realized He gave me a leash and some room to run. That was great. As I began to relax in God I learned that not all things were profitable. I got more balanced.
As I was in His Word, hearing great preaching at church and encouraged in fellowship, I was maturing. God would put challenges before me. He would help me step up to meet them. He put a hunger in my heart for Him. It was a blessing to walk in Him. I would share my faith. Sometimes I would get encouraging responses, other time I was content to sow the seed and trust Him for the growth.
I felt God’s was pleased with my level of commitment. It was a good balance of seeking Him, sharing my faith and resting in Him. I don’t really relate to Paul’s talk of being a high level athlete. Those were my early, legalistic years. However, I was way out of balance. Too legalistic, with no grace.
God took me and poured His love on me. It was like stiff, hard leather having mitt oil massaged in it. It was new life. God knows each of us well and what we need. He sees us as individuals and works on and in us according to our personalities. Some thrive with Paul’s talk of an athlete. Others are like Barnabas, the son of encouragement. There was an old gentleman at a former church who was like this. He sought to connect and encourage others.
Lord, thank You for meeting me where I was at. While not athletically minded, You equipped and encouraged me as You have designed. You are using me accordingly. Thank You!