“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.” ~ 1 Corinthians 9:34-27

I have heard it said by those who are farther down the road than my 39 years as a follower of Jesus that embracing spiritual disciplines (note how that word relates to "disciple") are one of the key components to a person’s finishing well. There are the familiar and more talked about disciplines, such as spending regular time in the Scriptures, cultivating a consistent prayer life, seasons of fasting with prayer, and generosity expressed through freely giving of one’s time, gifts and resources. In this passage, however, Paul specifically addresses the matter of disciplining his body so it does not betray him, leading to disqualification.

A disciple of Jesus allows the Holy Spirit to "tighten up" areas of their lives where they have become lax, not giving our enemy, the devil, a foothold in our lives (Eph.4:27). Where do you allow your eyes to wander? What kinds of words emerge from your lips? What people and places do you allow your feet to put you in the presence of? How much food and drink do we allow to enter our mouths? What might you put your hands to that would be better left untouched?

Like Paul, we don’t run aimlessly, but rather we carry Jesus and His imperishable purposes within us. In light of this, let’s take aim at anything and everything that might disqualify us as His disciples and His message through us.