“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” – 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NLT)

The importance of self-discipline to the life of a believer cannot be overemphasized. Self-discipline is like mortar that holds the blocks in a building together and where it is lacking, even knowledge can be impotent. In our text above, the apostle Paul unveils self-discipline as one of the secrets behind his success and impact.

Self-discipline is like mortar that holds the blocks in a building together and where it is lacking, even knowledge can be impotent.

Here are 5 lessons we can glean from this text:

1. Take Personal Responsibility for your life:

Paul said, ‘I discipline my body’. This was a decision not to wait for others or situations to subject him to discipline. He took personal responsibility to do that which might not be convenient but was necessary to ensure that he achieved his goals. Discipline is what makes you endure temporary pain in order to enjoy permanent gain.

• Have a clear picture of what is at stake:

He had a clear idea of what was at stake; he pictured himself as an athlete aiming to win a prize. No wonder Paul said, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!”. Athletes are very disciplined individuals, they put an incredible amount of work into their training, and they carefully pay attention to what they eat. We cannot afford to be careless about our spiritual exercise and nourishment.

• Do what is required and not what is convenient:

The third lesson we can glean from this text is the need to rein in your body and by extension every part of you. Paul said, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should”. Do that which your ultimate goal demands and not what your body or situation desires.

Do that which your ultimate goal demands and not what your body or situation desires.

• Avoid Overconfidence:

Paul said, “Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified”. He knew that being a powerful and popular preacher does not guarantee a successful finish. Paul understood the need to run by the rules of the game in order to win a price. The race of life is not necessarily about being first; it’s more about being right before God. How we run our Christian race here on earth will be a critical matter when we appear before the God of all flesh.

• Live with the consciousness of Eternity:

Finally, Paul lived with the consciousness of a finish line in the race of life, and he knew that that finish line would not necessarily be the end, but the beginning of eternity with God. He understood that there would be a consequence to our actions here on earth – rewards will be handed out to those who finish strong. As a result he decided to discipline his body, to pay the price and endure the temporary discomfort in order to win the ultimate prize.