"Instead I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself would not be disqualified." 

1 Corinthians 9:27

I have been in a season of self reflection in which this passage has been used of the Lord greatly in my life. The word “discipline” has been a constant theme on my heart. As a father of young children, I am quite used to that word and my children do not like when we have to share discipline in our home. Yet, day by day I am learning more of the value behind discipline. In terms of our conduct we need to be disciplined when we step outside of the boundaries of obedience. God certainly does that for us in our spiritual life. Discipline, as used in 1 Corinthians 9, also means the self control by which we live in order to achieve a result. This type of discipline is a regular part of life. The best athletes are disciplined to train. The best employees are disciplined to do their work well. The best leaders are disciplined to lead well. If discipline is important in the secular world, how much more valuable is it in our spiritual lives! 

In 1 Corinthians Paul is writing to a troubled and immature church. They are dealing with a great deal of worldliness and immorality that not only were they accepting but in many ways they were celebrating it. In both 1 and 2 Corinthians he is calling them out in order to raise them to the higher standard of sanctification. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 is a great passage for men of God to follow. We must, like Paul, live lives of great spiritual discipline. Paul highlights the value of physical discipline. We need to keep our bodies in such shape that we can readily serve the Lord. However, we must never do so at the expense of training our soul for honoring God.

This year the Lord has been teaching me the value of physical discipline. I have found that as I submit my body to the pain of being in the gym 4-5 days a week, I am reminded of my own weakness but I am also reminded of the growth that happens when I submit myself to a force greater than myself. Sore muscles are no fun but I must say I enjoy the pain. Why? Because I know growth is happening. The Lord has used my submission to physical fitness to teach me lessons about spiritual discipline.

God has called men to rise above. We are to be the leaders in the home, church, and society. This is not demeaning to women but when done right, it celebrates and frees women to serve the way God has called them. If we are to be those Godly men who lead well then we must submit ourselves to Godly discipline. We must wake up in the morning with a commitment to get in the Word, spend time with the Lord, and live for him as we say no to the flesh. You will never just be the man you need to be if you do not place yourself under the pain of discipline. As you do, though, know the pain you feel is working towards a great payoff of growth.

We all have areas of life where we need to show greater self control in saying “no” to sin and “yes” to glorifying God. What are those areas in your life? 

Father, help me be disciplined in body and spirit to bring you glory day by day. 

Consider This: 

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

In what areas of your life do you need to show greater discipline? 

Will you commit to giving up sin today and saying “yes” to God in ways that you have been failing to do so?