Scripture: 1st Corinthians 9:25-27
Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.
Thought for the Day: Let’s be honest, athletes do not exercise self-control in all things. There are plenty of athletes who have demonstrated their inability to maintain self-control. At the same time, I understand the point Paul is attempting to make. The decision to follow Jesus is not all roses and chocolate bars. This discipleship thing is tough, demanding and requires us to take the training seriously. There were those who followed Jesus, living with him for over three years, and they still didn’t get it. We should never pretend that it will come naturally to us or require a few sessions here and there. It is a life-time commitment, but the wonderful outcome is that the discipline and training is always producing something marvelous. Let us be about the work of creating a training center of the love first life at Cypress Creek Christian Church. This training will not simply happen in the sanctuary or Sunday School rooms of our church, but in the hallway conversations, phone calls between members, quiet morning devotionals, the youth mission trips, the ongoing financial support of the church, and all the other places we might find ourselves each and every day. You see, those who take seriously the idea of training him/herself for the love first life will discover that each and every day is the classroom for living the Jesus-life.
Prayer: Train me in your ways, Merciful God. Push me where I need to be pushed. Be gracious when I falter, but don’t allow me to sit too long before getting back to work. Amen.
TODAY
IS A BIG DAY
