Harnessing Your Inner Olympian Part 2

Journey of the Heart—Olympic Moments from the Word

I Corinthians 9:25-27

Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way as not without aim; I box in such a way as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

One quality that Olympic athletes have in common is focus. They run, they box, they ride horses and they swim to win a perishable medal of metal.

Another quality that Olympic athletes have in common is their ability to control or discipline their bodies, minds and desires in light of higher goals. Every morning before the crack of dawn—since childhood—they’ve left the comforts of their beds and homes to swim long, lonely laps in chilly pools; to work out at the gym; or fit in one more vault before school or work. Many of them have worked at menial jobs so they could pay the bills and continue to practice, practice and perfect their skills until the coming of the Games.

Unlike them, I am undisciplined in a lot of ways. I lack self-control in regards to food. I work too much. I exercise too little. And in spiritual matters, I don’t pray or study my Bible enough.

In other words, I don’t like to sweat or consume the right kind of fuel . . .

How about you? (Or are you really going to leave me hanging out here in True Confession land all by myself?)

And I, as a believer, should live and move and have my being for an imperishable crown of glory.

But too often, I live without “aim.” Without self-control, my best intentions result only in a “beating of the air.” Lest I be “disqualified” from the prize, I, like the athletes, need to learn to live like I mean it.

Here’s a game plan for me:

Crack of dawn walks combined with prayer? Okay, maybe 7 a.m.

Portion control? The chocolate is for medicinal purposes only . . . .

Shutting off the television and putting down a good book (Hey—we all have our own vices.) for the best Book of all?

What would living like you mean it look like in your life? What’s your game plan for pursuing higher goals?