There are one of the prominent and well known passages of Paul in 1st Corinthians which contains a passage quoted by every cross-fitter I know:
“I subdue my body and get it under my control!”
(1 Corinthians 9:27 TPT)
The Passage in question is of course about running the race for Christ. The disciplined lifestyle that keeps us aiming at the end, the victory podium, and a successful completion of the race of life. Discipline, self-control and consistency.
It is a good passage. Very motivational. But hidden inside the message, is another message in plain sight.
Paul ends the message with the admonition that we keep training and keep running, stick to discipline and self-control so that we do not disqualify ourselves (fall into temptation and fall away from Christ) but if we rewind a bit… reread verse 26
”For that reason, I don’t run just for exercise or boxing like one throwing aimless punches, but I train like a champion athlete.”
(1 Corinthians 9:26-27)
What do Champions train for?
To compete, of course! To get out onto the field, and do their thing. They are not weekend runners or gym bunnies that go and jog to keep fit or drop a few kg’s – They have a job to do. They train for a purpose!
However, Paul has hidden inside the message of discipline, self-control and perseverance also a call to action:
Go… Do…
He is asking: What value has a life of studying scripture, living high moral values, pursuing truth and honesty for ourselves, if we are not sharing salvation?
“Now, even though I am free from obligation to others, I joyfully make myself a servant to all in order to win as many converts as possible!”
(1 Corinthians 9:19, TPT)
But the question that hit me this morning was not the running or the training or even the metaphor of competing, it was the one reference to an ineffectual life:
Paul asks of me today: Are you a boxer that is throwing aimless punches? because Paul isn’t!
”I do not fight like a boxer beating the air…”
(1 Corinthians 9:26 NIV)
Am I running the race or running the treadmill? Am I a “skouperdjie” (a show horse) or an MMA fighter for God’s Kingdom?
Am I fighting shadows? Or landing blows for the Kingdom?
It is not a message that sits comfortably for everyone, but still a question to ask ourselves… Am I living up to the purpose of God’s design for my life? A life He knew even before I was formed in the womb?
Be blessed and be a blessing in someone’s life today!
