1 Corinthians 9. Have you or someone you know ever been “all in” on something? That sense of “I’ll do whatever it takes” to make something happen is a remarkable character trait – one most often found in pro-athletes and very driven and successful people. What sets them apart is their self-discipline and their commitment.

Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things… (9:24-25). The Apostle Paul reminds the church in Corinth that self-mastery – the ability to set certain desires aside for the moment in order to achieve something greater in the end – should be a character trait of all believers. Paul declares I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (9:26-27)

In fact, self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, a character trait that God enables in us so that we can make good choices and discipline ourselves to not be sidetracked by instant (or unholy) gratification. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.”

In 1 Corinthians 9 Paul explains that he has set aside many things that he has a right to – eating or drinking, personal comfort, marrying, taking a salary from ministry, etc – in order to be as productive as possible for the kingdom of God.  We endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel (9:12). I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel (9:22-23). Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! (9:16).

Paul is so passionate about seeing other people grasp the gospel, that he exercises great self-discipline to make it happen. He sets aside things he might want now, to achieve the thing that matters the most.

Do you have that kind of passion about anything? Do you have it for the kingdom of God?

Where might you be lacking self-control, choosing what you want right now instead of disciplining yourself to achieve something greater later? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you with self-control. Ask him to give you a passion for the work of the kingdom of God. Ask God for clarity about the race He is asking you to run, and how you might do that well.

Do not run aimlessly through life. Know what race God is asking you to run; and run to win.