“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 9:26-27).
Some individuals associate misery and Christianity as necessary characteristics of their faith. Philip Yancey told of a friend of his who preached a funeral sermon for a young man who starved himself to death out of concern over which foods were permissible to eat. That isn’t what Paul was talking about.
Paul was identifying the natural tendencies each of have which might hinder our effectiveness in serving God. We can make our own lists but pride, impatience with others and selfishness are enemies most of us have to master. Paul didn’t waste his efforts on unimportant issues but on the hindrances that would have made him ineffective in his ministry.
Paul ran steadily because he knew the goal he was pursuing. He knew what He was fighting for and he refused to quit. He planted churches when it cost him his comfort and safety. He wrote many of his letters from prison. He gave up being on the road to religious recognition as a fast-rising young Pharisee so he could give his life for Christ. He made his body his servant not his master as he worked for Christ. He knew that nothing worth doing comes without effort and discipline.
Did this produce a misery-driven servant of God? No! From a Roman prison Paul wrote the believers in Philippi: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). The joy of winning will override every pain of any sacrifice we will make.
