1 Corinthians 9:26-27 - 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.In 1 Corinthians 9 Paul's telling people why he deserves to be provided for, physically, because he preaches the gospel. He says earlier in the chapter though that "We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ." Then He ends with the two verse above. I see a simple stumbling point in my life as a pastor and I just wanted to take a second to encourage others in two ways:
First, purpose in every step. It's too tempting to let auto-pilot take over, especially when we're worn out. Auto-pilot is when we do and say whatever comes naturally. The problem is what we do naturally is sin. Our selfish nature is our auto-pilot. We must be aware of every step that we take, making it purposefully towards a goal. One issue that keeps this from happening is a clear goal. Without a very clear and specific goal, be it in your day to day or your business, the auto-pilot switch is that much closer.
Secondly, without discipline like making each step purposeful, Paul says that we may disqualify ourselves. In my life, I've seen this in the arena of "practicing what you preach". It's old school and redundant, but the bottom line is this: it's a lot easier for me to tell people what to do than it is to show them by example. It always will be. This is so dangerous for preachers because we are exposing the truth of life and the direction that people should go regularly. However, doing this is like endorsing a product that you would never use yourself. It removes your credibility. Those who we are to be teaching will listen less and less.
That's what I learned today. Monday will be my 100th post!! I'll be doing my first ever video blog and sharing some key points from my Ignite message last week.
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