Dear Disciple,
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
With the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics just ahead of us, it seems fitting to reflect on the words of the apostle Paul that are quoted above. He lived in a culture which honored athletes and athleticism as highly as, and perhaps even more highly than, our culture does today. It’s no wonder that ancient Greek culture produced the Olympic games (in which athletes competed in the nude), for their admiration of the human body and its abilities was extreme. Then, as now, the glory that was offered to champions in athletics intensified the pressure on athletes to train with unyielding determination and sacrifice.
Notice Paul’s obvious, yet profoundly important, statement about the crown ancient athletes sought to win: “They do it to get a crown that will not last.” A crown of leaves would be placed on the head of a winner in ancient games. With that crown came accolades and public admiration. But that leafy crown would wither and fade. The masses would eventually turn their attentions to new athletes who would win the next crowns. All the material prizes and public worship would eventually be gone. There would be some temporary euphoria and joy for these winners who gave themselves over to the process of training, but they couldn’t possibly hold onto them forever.
Paul claimed that he also went into strict training. He wasn’t an athlete running a race or wrestling an opponent in the physical plane. Yet he went into strict training. For what? “To get a crown that will last forever.” He knew that he was running a race of a different sort and was wrestling a different kind of opponent. He was engaged in a struggle in the spiritual plane, and the stakes were infinitely higher than in any athletic championship.
Disciple, if we can get a sense of how immense our calling is as followers of Jesus and partners with Him in the work of His kingdom, we will see why we need to go into strict training. We will see our need to be focused and purposeful in our discipleship to Jesus. We will understand why great sacrifice and maximum effort are needed and called for. We will choose to forfeit momentary comforts and temporary pleasures for the sake of greater and longer lasting ones.
Do not forget, though, that we are not training alone. Training – even strict training – by itself does not guarantee victory. The right coaches, teammates, and tools are needed. The Word, Spirit, and Community of Christ are provided generously to you by your Father, Disciple. Train in these and with these. Learn to walk consistently in the Word, the Spirit, and the Community of your Master and you will know the joy and euphoria of eternal and lasting victory to the glory of your King! Amen.
Learning how to train in Kingdom things with you,Ryan
