Controlling Your life…..

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ²⁴ Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! ²⁵ All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. ²⁶ So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. ²⁷ I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 

What words would you use to describe our society? Materialistic, sensual, impatient, indulgent, undisciplined–these are just a few. We’re also a “have it now” culture. Satan specializes in presenting us with opportunities for instant gratification while promising us that indulging our appetites will bring us the satisfaction we seek.

Human appetites, in themselves, are not sinful. In fact, they’re God-given. However, because of our fleshly weaknesses, they need to be controlled. When our appetites rule us, we’re in trouble. Paul likened the Christian life to that of athletes who are so focused on winning the race that they exercise self-control in every area of their lives.

That’s exactly how we’re called to live, yet we lack the motivation, determination, and power to do so in our own strength. For this reason, we need to rely on the Holy Spirit within us. If we yield our lives to Him and step out in obedience to His promptings, we’ll have the strength to say no when fleshly desires feel overpowering (Gal. 5:16).

Another key to success is keeping our focus on the eternal instead of the temporal. Many decisions that seem mundane are in fact spiritually significant. Are you indulging an appetite that could result in the sacrifice of an imperishable reward in heaven?

When the Enemy tempts us, he always tries to keep our attention on our desire and the pleasure of indulgence rather than on the eternal rewards and blessings we’re forfeiting. Just remind yourself how quickly immediate gratification wanes and how long eternity lasts.

This morning on ESPN there was a story about a professional football player that got into trouble in a night club at 4:00 a.m.  Duh!  What wopuld anyone be doing at a night club at 4:00 a.m.  The story said the young man had, had problems in the past but seemed to have gotten his act together, apparently no one advised him on where to stay away from, to stay out of trouble!  As Christians we need to choose wisely where we go, who we hang out with, and what we do. Sometimes staying out of trouble, spiritual or physical can be as simple as not going where the trouble resides!

Walk strong and tall in Him!

the pilgrim

*Image info:  Shot on film many years ago and now processed with Topaz Simplify to create the painterly affect.  Learned from my partner,  Jim Begley at this past weekends workshop!!!  Even the teachers learn!