"No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27 BSB
British triathletes and teammates Jessica Learmonth and Georgia Taylor-Brown made headlines last week when they crossed the finish line of the 2019 World Triathlon Olympic Qualification Event in Tokyo holding hands. And while many people might have seen this gesture as heartwarming and an example of good sportsmanship, their actions got them disqualified... and rightly so. You see, according to International Triathlon rule 2.11.f, “Athletes who finish in a contrived tie situation, where no effort to separate their finish times has been made, will be disqualified."
And you know, when it comes to getting disqualified for not following the "rules," Paul was clear that he would guard the privilege, or special right, he had to preach the Gospel with everything he had. This, he knew, meant disciplining himself to follow the rules listed in the Bible at all costs - which included bringing his flesh, or earthly wants and desires, under the submission of Jesus, careful not to say or do anything contrary to God's word. More simply said, Paul clearly understood that if he didn't practice what he preached, he could easily be declared ineligible and unfit to preach to others.
And you know, the same is true for us my friend. When you and I don't do the things we advise others to do, or do the things we tell others not to do, we lose our credibility and our witness for Christ. And even if we aren't officially "disqualified" or ousted by a person or an organization, our testimony loses its' power. So let us make every effort to "discipline" ourselves in the same way Paul did that we might run the good race and teach others to do the same. After all, helping others make it to the finish line should be the biggest goal of every believer.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that preaching the Good News of the Gospel is a privilege that we should never take for granted. Help us to be vigilant in guarding our hearts and disciplining our flesh to follow you Lord that we would not break any "rule" that might disqualify us from sharing the Word with others. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment