STRIVING FOR MASTERY

Discussion

DISCUSSION:

In every field of endeavor, there are the passive participators and the active participators; the idle onlookers and the busy players; the mediocres and the game changers. Take a look at the Christian faith as well. You'll notice that there are those who seem to always stand out. They are on fire in service to the Lord and their spiritual progress is obvious to everyone. But then there are others more, who can't seem to grow. They're forever struggling with the same sins; over and over again. Many who can't seem to get ahead spiritually; their carnality is obvious to all. Why do some seem to be masters while others walk in defeat? The bible tells us why; 1Cor9:24-27; "Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. 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."NLT. The answer is the practice of strict self-control. Another word for it is discipline. Discipline distinguishes champions from others. Many participate in a race, but winners stand out through discipline. If you don't develop the discipline of maintaining active fellowship with the Lord, you'll find yourself overtaken by the affairs of this life, and this will stunt your spiritual growth and expose all kinds of moral weaknesses. 2Tim.2:4-5; "And as Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize."NLT. Without spiritual discipline, there'll be no strength to overcome the pressures of temptations. Those who want to be doctors give themselves wholly to years and years of strenuous medical training. Same with lawyers, engineers, astronauts, and every other professional career. It's tomfoolery to think that you can walk in spiritual dominion and progress without giving yourself wholly to spiritual discipline. Get serious! Get disciplined! Life has a way of exposing your spiritual stamina. Challenges, obstacles, pressures and temptations can mess you up at unexpected times. Begin to strive for mastery like an athlete who wants to win a gold medal. Study the bible! Read those books! Give yourself to prayer! Be active in your local assembly! Stay away from time wasters and drainers of spiritual virtue. Get serious! Shalom Uvracha!