Rise Of The Servant KingsSample

The Athlete

God knows that it is hard for us to obey and to have a nature that treats others respectfully and kindly. He knows that we yearn like little children to please our Father but fail over and over. That is why He urges us through the apostle Paul’s writing to stay intensely focused, just like a Corinthian athlete. 

The type of athlete Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians represented the people of his city and served at their discretion. The effort was worth it. If he won, he’d be a ceremonial king, given the crown of Poseidon and the glory that went with it. The city would shower him with rewards. The people would honor him with a parade and write songs about him. A ceremonial hole would be cut in the city wall to symbolize that with such a great athlete, the people didn’t need walls to protect them from their enemies— they had him. His family would be fed and would be forgiven from taxes for his lifetime, and his children would go to the best academy. Even better, he would be given a lifetime appointment to the city council. If only he could stay focused during his time at the training grounds and not be disqualified from the race. He thought, I must “discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that . . . I myself will not be disqualified.” 

This is the only type of athlete the Corinthians would recognize—a man who had mastered self-control and was focused so completely on victory that if he ran the race well, the city officials would lavish awards on him. 

Here Paul gave us the template for our Christian walk. We are to run the race of life to win the crown and the rewards and recognition that come with it. 

Our sinful nature says to us, “As soon as you get your act together, then you can try to be and do something meaningful.” That’s a lie. God seeks men of action and faith who will “go before they know.” 

We don’t want to gain more facts about God. We want to come to know God Himself. We’ve been invited into relationship with Him, so let’s get to know Him and what He wants from us as we run the race ahead.

In what areas of your life do you struggle most with self-control?