“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” I Corinthians 9:24-27
- Raise your standards (verse 24)
Run in such a way that you may win.
Don’t lower your standards.
Learn to live with the tension between the real and the ideal. It takes
guts to hold to the ideal when everyone around you screams “give up”.
2. Remember your priorities (verse 25)
Exercise self discipline.
What are your dreams? Did they come from the Lord?
Consider these priorities:
- time alone with God
- time invested in the lives of people
3. Restrict your focus (verse 26)
A great focus of our day is overcommitment. Busy-ness does not
equate with attainment or devotion.
The one who pursues a singular passion is the one who
accomplishes the most.
What is the singular passion or focus in your life? If you can’t state it
one sentence, then you are flirting with mediocrity. It’s not that we do too little; it’s that we try to do too much.
4. Restrain your impulses (verse 27)
Discipline is the key that unlocks potential.
Calvin Coolidge said, “Nothing is more common than unsuccessful
people with talent.” DISCIPLINE IS THE KEY.
5. Runners – take your mark
Pick just one of these principles and seek to apply it to your life.
Make a list of your priorities.
Pray for grace to restrain your impulses.
Beware of the barrenness of the busy life. You are too busy if your
significant relationships are not the highest priority.
Pastor Rich Campbell, Fellowship Bible Church
Life in the Spirit 