Obedience of an Athlete
“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.” (I Cor. 9: 24-27).
The analogy of an Olympic athlete and a Christian continues with the fact an athlete has to be coach-able and a Christian obedient to his coach Jesus.
Each participant in the Isthmus Games was given a personal trainer. He was the athlete’s master. What he said the athlete did. If we are going to be spiritual victors we must submit to Jesus as our master\trainer.
If you have watched gymnasts they listen intently to their coaches just before their event. They then go out and try to do exactly what the coach said to do. So must we.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).
A Christian like an athlete has to be compliant.
Every competitor did the same exercises during these nine months of agony. The boxer, distance runner, weight lifter, jumper, and sprinter all did the same exercises. Today greater knowledge and techniques let it be known various exercises need to be tailored to the sport.
The point this illustrates is there are no favorites with the Lord. We are all alike.
They wore only oil and nothing else. In Scripture oil is used as an illustration of the Holy Spirit. He is often represented as associated with oil.
If we are going to strive for mastery in spiritual matters we must allow the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, to cover and control us.
Certainty is an essential for athletes and Christians. They must be “Not as uncertain.” If you want a victorious spiritual life it requires being spiritually focused. The word in the text translated “uncertainty” is “adelos” meaning, “do not run without clarity.”
Every athlete comes to the games with clarity of purpose. Each knows what he or she is to compete and is focused on that. As a Christian are you.
What is your goal in life?