Prepared to Win!

Recently, the NBA (National Basketball Association) season has began, and the NFL (National Football League) season is in mid swing. We are now privileged week in and out to watch some of the worlds best athletes as they participate and play there respective sport. These athletes train constantly, they exercise regularly, they monitor their diets, and weight. They even maintain regular sleep schedules and down time. This type of preparation enables them to preform at their best, so that they won't only be able to compete but to win and be a champion.

Today's scripture of focus come again from Paul as he and we continue to focus on our bodies as instruments to be used and devoted to God.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 24 Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. ²⁵Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable garland, but we an imperishable one. ²⁶So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; ²⁷but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.


In the text Paul speaks to the people of Corinth and to us in language that both groups can understand. The Athenaic and Isthmain games would be familiar to the people of Corinth probably taking place no more than ten miles away. While we are very familiar with the Olympics, baseball and other sports. Therefore we understand the point that the Apostle is driving home. We must train our bodies both physically and spiritually being prepared to run this Christian race not just to compete but to win. Paul does not mean win salvation, that can not be won but is already free. Paul means to win souls for God through Christ, for this is pleasing to God. The race is a race in which you live out your call and commission to evangelize and wittiness to all. Not doing this could lead to disqualification.


For us, I ask that we spend the day reflecting on how we are treating, training, and testing our bodies in preparation. What are we eating, how much are we sleeping, what are we putting in and what's coming out? Are we physically fit, are we spiritually fit? If not then what must we do in order to prepare ourselves? I believe we must start with prayer, reading scripture daily, exercise, proper diet, and proper rest. Then we can go forth as living examples of Christ message and love in the world, proclaiming that message to all. Far to often we as Christians leave God, and Jesus message in the church on Sunday morning. We tend to compartmentalize God and only open up the compartments when we need them, when God requires us to live the gospel.

The popular television show In Living Color asked the question every week, HOW YOU LIVIN? I leave you with that same question for reflection today, how are you living?
Until tomorrow, Be Well.
Pastor J