1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
--NKJV
In the name of the One who would have us obtain the crown of life. Amen.
More than once during the church year we consider the frightening fact that it is possible for us to lose our faith. It is also possible for us to be a tool for the salvation of others, without achieving salvation ourselves. Salvation is a serious thing. We should let nothing stand in the way of our salvation. Instead, we should do everything we can on our end to make sure that we do not throw away the most precious gift God has given us.
Paul speaks of disciplining his body for the sake of his salvation. That is because everything that a person’s spirit experiences, it experiences through his body. Likewise, everything a person’s spirit expresses, it expresses through his body. So, to a great extent, the spirit can be trained by training the body. You know, but may not realize it. You know this because you fold your hands when you pray, and most likely close your eyes and bow your head. Why? To help your spirit focus on prayer. In church you sit, stand, kneel, and make the sign of the cross because your spirit needs a way to express its faith. But there is more.
Many people in our day assume that no one has enough self discipline to deny the body pleasure. It is assumed we will eat all we desire, have intercourse with all whom we are attracted to, buy all that we want. In fact, the generation now entering the work force is especially noted as believing they are entitled. They lack of restraint throws away their salvation.
As we enter the Advent season, a time of repentance, let us each look carefully at our lives and what things have a hold on us. Let us fast from those things that we not be disqualified from the prize. The pleasures of this life are short lived. The crown of life is forever. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord God, Holy Spirit, show us those things that hinder our salvation, and give us the resolve to be free from them through our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives, and reigns with You and the Father, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
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