Apr 10 - "The Race"

"Do you not know that in a race, the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So, I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified."

--- 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

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Maintaining discipline is a hard thing to do. By definition, the word discipline brings to mind control, unwavering focus and denial of things which don't contribute to the purpose for which the discipline is intended.

A few years ago, before I became a runner, "working out" was not something that was on my list of fun things to do. The thought of getting up and going to the gym to lift weights, ride a stationary bike or run on a treadmill seemed like complete drudgery. I was of the attitude which said "what's the point?!?". For those of you who knew me in that time period from about 2000 to 2004, the end result of that attitude, combined with plenty of Oreos, ice cream, french fries and Doritos, was a very unhealthy situation.

When I first decided to change my lifestyle, creating a discipline around eating better and getting some exercise was incredibly difficult. It felt like constant denial; denial of sleep, denial of "treats", denial of laying on the couch all day. But, with a bit of focused effort, it began to feel more like a challenge of the positive sort. I found myself saying, "I can do this...just stick with it." The first 50 lbs. or so came of pretty easy over the course of 6 months or so.

But then what? I had changed my lifestyle to some extent, but I also knew I still had a ways to go. For me, the thing that changed my approach and gave my discipline more focus was racing. Signing up for a race (5k, 10k, sprint triathlon...it does not matter) and telling people about it, making it "public" became the way for me to keep the discipline in place. When I had a day where I did not feel like going out to train or wanted to sleep more...or was just plain worn out, the fact that there was a race out there with a date and time kept me going. The fact that I did not want to have to tell people "Oh, I just didn't get that done." when they would ask me about how the race went, propelled me forward. The goal that was out there...the race...helped me keep the necessary discipline in place. By putting this goal in place and keeping the discipline, almost 100 lbs. disappeared over the course of time.

Paul is telling us, our life in Christ should be like this too. What is your goal? What are you wanting to accomplish? Is it a simple thing like reading the Bible every day? Or, could it be a more complex and difficult like setting up an outreach ministry or organizing a mission trip at your church? Set the goal, but understand the discipline necessary to accomplish it. If we just say, "I want to do this thing", but do not understand how we will get there or specifically what the target it, we will, as Paul says, "...box at the air...".

Lastly, a key thing to remember, as is the case with my running, we cannot do it alone. I am able to swim, bike, run and race because I have the support of my family. I have the time to participate in the prison ministry of Jehoshua House because they encourage me. They each play a role in allowing me to keep the discipline necessary in order to run the race. We must enlist others to our cause and find ways to give back the time and the effort they make in support of their goals.

So, run the race as though to win it. Don't allow yourself to wander aimlessly towards your goal. Make a plan. "Sign up" for the race. Make it public. Ask others to help you. Most of all, bring Christ to your cause. Pray for support in maintaining your discipline and you will most certainly receive that imperishable wreath.