Tuesday, January 31, 2006
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
FOCUS
It's easy to get distracted. When I am working in my office, there is certain music I cannot listen to because it will cause my mind to wander from my work. Sometimes I'll be visiting with someone and something will happen to take our attention away from the conversation. When we return to it, neither one of us can remember what we were talking about! Distractions can make it hard to complete a task.
In two weeks, the Winter Olympics will open in Italy and we will see atheletes who have not been distracted from their work. In order to compete at such high levels, it is required that their minds and bodies concentrate on the training they have received.
The Apostle Paul realized that preaching the gospel requires focus and self-discipline too -- not only so that others can learn of Christ, but so that that the witness himself does not lose sight of the glorious message through the day-to-day stresses which are brought to bear on him.
In our walk as Christians, the cross of Jesus is our focal point. His Holy Spirit works to keep our eyes fixed on the beauty of the forgiveness of sins and the life waiting for us in heaven. With these thoughts planted in our minds by God Himself, we do not run aimlessly, but rather consciously share the good news with others and trust in it ourselves as the precious treasure it is.
