For as long as I have been teaching and preaching about the Fruit of the Spirit, people have told me the two they seem to struggle with the most are patience and self-control. Perhaps it’s not surprising, because both can cover a lot of territory. In terms of self-control, we could be talking about eating, spending, controlling our tempers, time management, exercising, reading our Bibles or even going to church. We may tend to think that each of these activities are disconnected and that our habits with regard to them are independent of each other. But there may be a common thread which could help us end our struggles with success related to our self-control.
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (NASB95)
24 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.
25 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.
26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
I think the point that Paul is trying to make here is this: If you are going to bother running in the race, why not run to win? But at the same time, Paul also reminds his readers that there can only be one prize-receiver. Does winning always necessitate receiving the prize?
I suppose it would depend upon whom you ask. If you ask the majority of college and professional football coaches this Friday if winning this weekend means that they are going to score the most points, I think an overwhelming number of them would reply in the affirmative. But if you asked a 70-year-old runner if they plan to win the Boston Marathon next year, I would say most would answer that they do not expect that outcome.
What if you asked the 70-year-old runner, “What would be a win for you at the Boston Marathon next year?” We might be surprised by his or her response. Maybe a personal best time. Perhaps to place in the top ten of his or her age category. Winning an earthly race doesn’t always mean taking home the prize.
One way we can help ourselves be better prepared to win is to have goals. We are quickly coming upon the season to make New Year’s resolutions. One of the ways we can be better equipped to serve the Kingdom is being in good shape physically. Another is to become more organized. I’m going to work on my resolution for the New Year over the next couple of days. I’ll meet you back here to discuss mine. You are welcome to discuss yours here, too, in the Orange Office.
Orange Office Ministry 