But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:27

God calls me to live a holy life: a life set apart for Him; whatever is set apart for God is holy.

He bought me with the blood of Jesus; I’m not my own; I’ve been bought at a price. My body, my life, belongs to Him. That means I can’t live to please myself any more. I’m not here to make myself more comfortable, or more powerful, or to please myself; I’m here to serve Him in whatever way He wants.

If my own desires run contrary to that purpose, it’s time to recognize those detractions and discipline myself to reject and deny myself the satisfaction of those desires; take up my cross and follow Jesus.

This runs completely contrary to what the world would have me believe. The World says that you must fulfill every desire, satisfy every craving in order to be happy, that my purpose in life is self-fulfillment.

But nature itself teaches us that no one ever accomplishes anything worthwhile by spending all his energy satisfying his own lusts.

Like an athlete training for the next big event, I set aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race that is set before me.

Lord Jesus, You already showed me the way, in Your own life. You set the example for me to follow, and You invite me to look to You, both for the pattern to follow and for the strength I need to run. Fill me with the strength and endurance I need for today’s lap. Amen!

Pastor Dan Giles