April 27, 2021 -- I Corinthians 9:24-27 -- What's the prize you're going after?

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.

I Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV

Every Thursday morning I sit with a group of men who are in recovery—from drugs, alcohol and other addictions. One thing stands out for me. They are aware this is a life or death struggle. If they do not discipline their hearts and minds, if they do not immediately recognize the first teasing whispers of temptation seeking to destroy their sobriety, then they know they will soon be chasing after death by way of addictions, rather than running the race of new life in Christ.

An athlete is clearly aware of what is damaging, constantly reminding himself of things like—here are foods I should eat for strength and these are foods that will make me lethargic. An athlete knows how to fight past excuses not to train—it is raining, it is too cold, I am tired, I’m not going to win anyways—and the athlete exercises self-control. An athlete knows the LORD our God, Who knit us together in the womb, has given us the gift of joy which surges through the body of the athlete who has fought excuses and went out to train anyways. It is called the runners’ high. I believe the LORD blesses Christians with a joy-filled high which is only given when we are serving the Most High!

The men in Harvest House are teaching me to examine my life with careful attention so that I am not aimless in my preparations, but honing my head, heart and hands for holy service. Sometimes I find fellow church Christians far less aware of the insidious nature of sin. While applauding the efforts of men and women who are openly crying for sobriety, these church-goers are in danger themselves of being disqualified because in church there is the devil-inspired sense of having already crossed the finish line. Therefore Christians, instead of being clear-headed enough to know we are athletes still running to receive the final prize they have become lazy, side-lined and out of shape.

Ah beloved, see the prize of life eternal in the presence of God our Father, a prize made all the sweeter in the knowledge that we will see our Savior and celebrate such blessings and glory in the Presence of the Spirit Who has given us both a desire for and an ability to run the race set before us.

LORD God Almighty, I confess my excuses. I confess the times I spend rehearsing reasons why I can’t, rather than reciting the victories You have given saints through-out the ages. Spirit of the Living God, renew in me the courage of a lion, ready to tear down any excuses. Spirit of the Living God, with the view of Christ as the ultimate prize, reassert in me all the reasons to discipline my body and through Your leading a godly control of my mind so that in all things I will not the problems and excuses and challenges, but I will see the prize of the imperishable wreath of glory which crowns the head of all who by the Triune God have overcome the world. Blessed are You, God the Mighty, Able to Save all who cry out to You. Amen.

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