The Scriptures talk about Christians as being in a race, striving to finish our course with joy and power. As we know, racers need to get in shape for their events. And the same is true of us. We must discipline our bodies well and continuously so that we can run our race and finish our course with joy. Today’s excerpt from The Disciplined Life is found on pages 10, 11:
“In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul likens this effort at bringing our bodies into submission to Jesus to that of athletes, who discipline their bodies so that they can perform according to the demands of their event. He says that accomplishing this discipline is ‘agonizing,’ and that’s as true—indeed, more so—for the life of discipleship as it is for that of an athlete.
“One of the reasons this is such a difficult undertaking is because it is comprehensive. It leaves nothing out—no member of our body, no relationship or role or responsibility, not a moment of time. As we practice what we believe, all the members of our bodies become engaged in the works of the Lord all the time. The Scriptures urge us to train our eyes to see what they should, as they should; to guard our ears against listening to false and sinful notions; to tame our tongues for the purposes of godliness and edification; to dedicate our hands and feet to the service of the Lord; and to preserve the members of our bodies pure from every sinful involvement. Paul writes in Romans 6 that, in order to do this, we must continually ‘put to death’ every fleshly inclination of all the members of our bodies, and train them instead to seek and follow the path of righteousness always.
“In practical terms, this means disciplining the members of our body to employ their peculiar powers in the direction of Kingdom righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit. Whatever efforts our bodily members undertake—whether in relationships, work, culture, or community—those will be harnessed, directed, and improved for the glory of Christ to the extent we are able to bring the members of our bodies into subjection to our Lord and King.”
For reflection or discussion
1. How do you respond to the challenge of disciplining every member of your body for Jesus and His glory?
2. How about your time? Every moment of every day devoted to serving Jesus?
When Jesus saved us, He saved us soul and body, so that in each of these we could become like Him. But like anything good in life, being like Jesus doesn’t just happen. We must take up whatever disciplines, exercises, practices, or protocols that will allow us to train and shape our bodies for obedience to Jesus. And the same is true of our souls. Because this, this life of discipline, is how we tap into the power and joy of our salvation. Share today’s podcast with some friends. Encourage your friends to listen to the podcast as well. Set up a time when you can get together to consider how to help one another live The Disciplined Life. You can download a free copy of The Disciplined Life by going to The Ailbe Bookstore. Get yours, then share it with all your friends.
T. M. Moore
