A Competitive Runner vs. A Disciplined Runner

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 9: 24-27 — “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. 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. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”

Observation:
1 Corinthians 9 is packed full of rich, insightful verses. Paul teaches so much through this one chapter about salvation and our daily walk with Christ. In the verses I chose to focus on today, Paul is using the example of being a runner to communicate a point about our walk with Christ. He is encouraging believers to not be so focused on the here and now but remember the real goal should always be to keep the focus on what is to come on earth as well as the future kingdom of heaven.

Application:
I don’t know a lot about running but what I do know is that I am not very good at it. I think my problem is not that I am not competitive. I am highly competitive when it comes to sports, games, etc. My problem is I am not disciplined enough. To be a good runner, you must have discipline. It does not matter how competitive you may be. If you don’t have discipline, then you are going to have a hard time training for a marathon. I do believe most disciplined runners have a competitive spirit. It helps drive them to want to win. At the same time, it is their discipline that allows them to get up at wee hours in the morning and train in all conditions — cold, rain and even heat. It is their discipline that pushes them to go farther and run faster.

This is true for my spiritual life. When I read these verses and it mentions that not all runners will receive the prize, my competitive attitude arises telling me I need to do more and work harder in order to be one of the winners. But what Paul is teaching me is that it is not about being a “competitive” Christian but about being a “disciplined” Christian. What is the difference? A disciplined Christian stays focused on the long-term goal, while a competitive Christian is focused on instant gratification. We live in a world of instant gratification. The idea of working hard and disciplining yourself to receive a prize is something rarely found. We want it now! I know I am guilty of this so often. I forget that God has great treasures in store for me.

A disciplined believer knows it is not about what he/she can get out of a relationship with God, but it is about how he/she can bring glory and honor to God through spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, worship, scripture memorization, and more. A disciplined believer learns to exercise self-control in order to be better prepared for the spiritual marathon. A competitive believer does not always see the benefits of self-control, because he/she is only interested in today’s sprint.

Prayer:
Lord, help me be more disciplined in my spiritual life. Being disciplined takes a lot of forethought and strength. Grant me the self-control needed to become more discipline in my daily life. Give me the endurance needed to withstand the tough spots of the journey. Most of all, allow my disciplined life to bring you glory and honor because I know it will only be through your strength that I will be able to finish the marathon.

— Emily Suggs, children’s minister, Madison/Ridgeland campus