A small group of seniors from the apartment complex where I reside were blessed to go bowling, and it was such an enjoyable time. Everything was free, thanks to our county. I had not bowled in more than forty years, but was willing to give it a shot, despite having a problem with my back. I am scheduled to start therapy next week, but I was told it’s okay to bowl lightly. Guess what, I ended up being in second place; not so bad after all those years, huh?
In case someone doesn’t know this, sports and games have been played for thousands of years. Paul used physical sport to bring out a spiritual principle, which was about witnessing and essential one was to be trained, as one has basic training in the military. One must also be trained in the Word of God in order to be effective.
In a marathon there was competition and whoever made it to the finish line first received the trophy. There were basic rules for each sport, training always comes first which is similar to basic training in the military, one must run with light clothing so they will have greater momentum. No cheating; this disqualifies the runner.
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty.
Thus, I fight not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
Although Paul is talking about salvation, he changes the metaphor from an Olympic game to boxing; he was no shadow boxer raising his hand with no effect. This meant he knew the right place to hit to get the upper hand on his opponent. Metaphor-the opponent represents the enemy (the devil) and you must know his tricks and how to give him a heavy blow to dismantle him.
Some people in the sports world are not ashamed to honor/acknowledge Jesus Christ. Wherever we go, when the door of opportunity opens to share about the Lord, be His mouthpiece. It is known by all who are acquainted with me, that wherever I am, somehow a conversation comes up about Jesus. The Lord opens doors for the Gospel to be spread.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Romans 1:16).
I am really having the time of my life, praise the Lord! Balance is the KEY!
His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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