1 Corinthians 9
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable" (1 Cor 9:24-25).
As believers, we are to picture ourselves as running in a race against many other runners. We are all running for one prize. To win, we have to exercise self-control in all things. This includes in training and in the race itself. The winner of a race in Paul's day received an olive wreath. But we, if we win, will receive an imperishable wreath that we will wear forever in eternity. What an opportunity!
Some ways I can exercise self-control today are to: (1) sort out personal emails this morning; (2) get to work on time and work diligently on my three most urgent projects; (3) eat healthily; (4) have a mid-day Bible study; (5) go the gym and prepare for my Air Force fitness test; (6) finish the work day well; and (7) meet good friends for dinner with Averil and the kids.
Father, as a believer and your adopted son, help me to exercise self-control in all things, especially at work and with my family. By your Spirit, help me to win the race and obtain the imperishable prize. Thank you for your power at work within me and all of us who name the name of Christ. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman