This past Tuesday night at the The Stream's Tuesday Night House Group, we continued our discussion in the excellent book The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. During our discussion we came across this passage:
1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (ESV)
In applying this passage to personal growth in holiness/godliness, we can see the importance of training and discipline. Consider the extensive discipline and training that an elite champion athlete undergoes on a year-round basis (time commitment, workouts, nutrition, rest, coaching, mental and physical focus). All of these things are to be commended. In a similar way, and even more so, Christians ought to apply the same intentional discipline, training, and zeal towards the pursuit of God and godliness. The champion athlete gets a prize, a reward, a wreath that is perishable, but the Christian receives eternal rewards that are even greater.
Do you apply the same kind of intense level of discipline, self-control, and pursuit of your goals for godliness and holiness as an elite champion athlete pursuing their goals?
In what specific ways is God leading you to step up your efforts, discipline, and goals towards godliness?
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