I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified – 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV)
An Olympic athlete is subjected to the highest level of discipline, often spending years training intensely for a sporting event that will be concluded in minutes. They intentionally adjust every part of their lives, including diet, sleep, training, and even relationships, all in pursuit of an earthly prize – gold, silver, or bronze medal that will one day fade. How much more, then, should a believer prepare, whose reward is not temporary, but an imperishable, everlasting crown?
Apostle Paul likens the intense training of an athlete to how a believer ought to live each day in perseverance and discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Though you may not be a professional athlete, as a believer, you are constantly in training for an eternal reward from God. This is why scriptures compare the Christian life to a race that requires spiritual discipline to run well and finish strong.
Just as physical training requires stamina, so does the race of faith. A runner without endurance cannot finish well. The visible strength displayed on the track is often the result of years of a disciplined lifestyle. How does a believer put his body under subjection to run the race before him? By spending time with the word of God, praying, fasting, and engaging in other spiritual activities.
The believer’s diet is the Word of God. Prophets like Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and John all had visions in which they “ate” God’s word and each described it as sweet as honey, bringing joy and strength (Ezekiel 3:1-2; Revelation 10:8-10; Jeremiah 15:16). When you consistently study the word of God, it strengthens your convictions and deepens your knowledge of God. You will also be able to discern God’s voice in your life.
Prayer and fasting train the things of God. They help you remain sober and vigilant to the tricks of the devil (1 Peter 5:8). Physical workouts are painful at first, but over time, they become routine. In the same way, the spiritual exercises of fasting and prayer may begin as a duty, but they will always transcend to delight.
More so, discipline is not only about cultivating good habits but also about laying aside distractions and unnecessary weight (1 Corinthians 10:23, Hebrews 12:1). As athletes avoid anything that might hinder peak performance, you must also discern what is spiritually profitable and avoid things that would hinder your spiritual growth. Scripture is useful for doctrine, correction, and instruction to equip you for the Christian journey. (2 Timothy 3:16).
Dear believer, today and onward, train yourself to pursue the will of God with discipline and fervency.
Bible Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 10-12; Mark 14:43-65