1Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. No one should beat themselves up over what God gives us grace and forgiveness over. But Paul, in our passage today, literally says I give myself a black eye. The English words I discipline my body in the Greek language of Paul's day means black eye. Although he doesn't mean he literally gave himself a black eye, Paul clearly says that he tells his body what to do. He does not allow his body to tell him what to do.
Today, many allow their emotions to drive them. They say it feels good and that God gave them feelings, so they can't be wrong. But what God has said, He will never contradict. So it is that we, like Paul, should be making our bodies our slaves and telling it what to do based on what God has already said. Of course, this is easier said than done, but as they say, If we aim at nothing, we will hit it every time. There is a severe motivation behind what Paul is saying as well. We will talk about that tomorrow. For today think about what and why you do what you do. Is it centered on what God has said or on what you feel? Paul was in no way boasting when he said he would discipline himself. He was doing the very thing that God expects us all to do. Jesus Himself said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. Matthew 16:24 NASB It is sort of like getting on a moving sidewalk. You get on, but the machine does the work. We make a choice, but it is the Holy Spirit who works in and through us. So, what will you deny yourself today to follow Him? What good thing can you deny yourself for today and replace it with worship to Him who is worth it? Let's give it a try. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Have a great day, Loved Ones, and God bless you real good!
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