I Punish My Body And Enslave It
Do you not know that in a race the
runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that
you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to
receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run
aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and
enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be
disqualified.
Whenever we come to a crossroads in
life, what choice do we make? In other words, in what direction will we travel
and what habits – which ruts of routine will we establish?
A habit is a pattern of behavior that
we follow consistently. We need to decide prayerfully
what habits – which ruts of routine we will establish.
Paul referred to his life’s journey as
a race. He learned that the only way to stay the course was to discipline his
body and bring it to submission.
Good health habits are important, but
spiritual disciplines are far more important.
A habit is just a rut of routine. But
good spiritual discipline can transform our ruts into grooves of grace.
In the
beginning we make our habits,
but in the end
our habits make us.
Our Daily
Bread –