Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So 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.
I always tell our leaders that you can't lead people where you are not willing to go yourself. These verses are a sobering reminder of that. It's a big part of my work to be in the Word, studying and preparing lessons. But one of the biggest temptations for me is to let that be enough. I've learned that I also have to be in the Word for myself. I need to be personally engaging God and listening to the Word he has for ME. Not just reading to see what Word he has for everyone else. I'm also learning the value of disciplining all areas of my life. Not so I can be so holy, but so God's voice becomes louder than any other urges or cravings I might have. I'm not there yet, but I'm on my way...
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