You can’t expect the Hope Sports Coordinator to read 1 Corinthians 9 and not write about one of the most-used verses in the Christian sports world. At the end of chapter 9, we see Paul write about the need for Christians to have self-discipline in their freedom, which is comparable to the self-discipline of athletes. Leading up to verse 24, Paul is writing about the freedom that Christians find in Christ and how, although there is freedom to do many things, we must deny things that do not glorify God.
Athletes have the freedom to do many things. They have the freedom to eat what they want, but they may deny themselves a greasy cheeseburger before a big game because they know it won’t be helpful to their performance. They have the freedom to take a day or week off from training, but they know it won’t be beneficial in the long run. Athletes have the freedom to do many things, but through discipline, they must deny themselves those that do not help them or push them, or their team, toward the final goal.
As Christians, although we have the freedom to do many things, we also must act in discipline to deny ourselves of things that do not push us, or our brothers and sisters, toward the goal of glorifying Christ through what we do.
Paul writes, “They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” Things that last forever probably do not come easily. They may require suffering, leaning into challenges, and standing up for what’s right, even when it is hard. The promise of eternal life with Jesus Christ puts into perspective the discipline we endure.
Reflection:
- What do you have the freedom to do that may not glorify God?
- How does the perspective of God’s eternal promise challenge your perspective on discipline?