Maintaining the Focus (4 of 5)

Consider the second illustration Paul shared with Timothy relating to maintaining a proper focus.
“An ATHLETE is not crowned unless HE COMPETES ACCORDING TO THE RULES.” ( 2 Timothy 2:5 ESV)

Athletics is as much about the mind as it is the body. I found this to be true when I wrestled. The training for competition includes a concentrated focus, consideration of proper diet, and plenty of exercise to build up endurance; all stemming from good discipline and self-control. There must also be a clear understanding of the rules of the game. And all the effort put into it has a lot to do with how much one really wants to win!

Writing to a church not too far from where the Greek games began, Paul wrote…
“(24) Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? SO RUN THAT YOU MAY OBTAIN IT. (25) Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (26) So I DO NOT RUN AIMLESSLY; I do not box as one beating the air. (27) But I DISCIPLINE MY BODY AND KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” ( 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV)

What is the picture of our spiritual life? How much do we want to taste the truest victory? We are in the greatest competition ever to be held. A course has been marked out before us and we must be ready to throw off anything that would hinder our ability to run with endurance. ( Hebrews 12:1) Allowing ourselves to be sidetracked or to compromise the rules could knock us out of the race! Therefore, good discipline, a healthy spiritual diet, and self-control must be focused on as we press on to win!

May we keep focused on the race set before us, making sure we are remaining on course. Enduring will be worth the effort because there is a victor’s crown for all who lovingly long for the appearing of Jesus. ( 2 Timothy 4:8)

Have a great day SET FOR THE THRILL OF VICTORY IN JESUS!
Carl

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