Don’t Get Disqualified

“No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” 1 Corinthians 9:17 NIV

In a story titled “Cole Hocker Disqualified from World Championship 1500 Meters for ‘Jostling’ Violation,” published earlier this week, it was reported that “Cole Hocker, the reigning Olympic champion in the men’s 1500 meters, was disqualified from the semifinal round of the event on Monday at the World Championships after he made contact with Germany’s Robert Farken in the final 50 meters. Hocker was found to be in violation of rule TR17.1.2[J] in the World Athletics rulebook, which is classified as “jostling.” According to World Athletics, “Jostling should be understood as physical contact on one or more occasions with another athlete or athletes that results in an unfair advantage or causes injury or harm to them or, consequently, to another athlete or athletes.” A representative from USATF told Runner’s World that the organization appealed the decision but it was denied… In hindsight, he said he would have stayed toward the front on the last lap instead of letting the other athletes pass him.”

And, you know, as this story clearly shows, it only takes a moment of weakness to undo a lifetime of work—something hindsight can clearly see, but unfortunately can’t fix. Hence the reason the apostle Paul, who gave his life in service to Christ and considered sharing the Gospel the highest honor he could ever have, stressed the need for strict discipline (the kind of discipline it takes to be an Olympic athlete or a champion boxer) at all times saying “I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Paul made the decision to not let his flesh rule over him in any way so that he would not give in to any of the temptations to compromise on the Word or to fall into sin—things that could happen in an instant if he wasn't careful. These are things that would not only ruin his credibility but could completely destroy his witness.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air." 1 Corinthians 9:24-26

In getting to this point, Paul reminded himself (and us) that only one person receives the first place prize. And this is the way we are to train and run... "in such a way as to get the prize." Now this doesn't mean that a believer will lose their salvation if they don't come in first place. But it does mean that we are to compete according to the rules and to enter into and stay in "strict training" at all times. The best part? Unlike runners who win a crown for their efforts that will not last, you and I run the race to get a crown that will last forever!!! We run for an eternal prize! Isn't God good? We get so much more than we deserve if you think about it. We sacrifice a bit here (and life is short) and we gain lifelong benefits later!

So, don't break the rules of the race my friend. And don't run the race aimlessly or fight like a boxer beating the air. Those things are done in vain! Let your every step be taken to preach the Gospel as you are called to do, keeping your flesh disciplined and your heart and mind stayed on Christ. Live on purpose every day and guard yourself from doing anything that might get you disqualifed... always remembering that a brief moment of weakness can lead to a lifetime of regret. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our flesh can rule over us if we're not careful. Help us to constantly be on guard for the ploys of the enemy to cause us to sin Lord that we might stay on course at all times. Help us to discipline our flesh and to make it our slave so that the Spirit would rule over our hears and minds and we would not become disqualified for any reason. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!