Aug 30 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Reading for today: Exodus 35:20-36:1, I Corinthians 9:26-27
“Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave.” I Corinthians 9:26-27a
Tough images and words from Paul: when he swings at the impulses that weaken his passion for God he doesn’t miss. He buffets—he hits the enemy of his soul square in the face and he hits hard. The amateur athlete says, “What can I do to get by and still cross the finish line?” The master athlete asks, “What level of training does it take to win?” Which question is yours?
When Paul uses these comparisons between the Christian life and an athletic race, it’s worth remembering the wonder that we aren’t competing against each other but against ourselves.
When I get to heaven, Jesus isn’t going to say that I didn’t do much compared with Billy Graham; Though Dr. Graham was given 10 talents, Jesus will ask what I did with the talents He gave me.
I love Jon Courson’s teaching on this … everything I do is imperfect but Jesus will burn away the impurities, the chaff in our service and will seek for the gold and precious. He wants to bless us and if there is anything that was done for Him then He will find it. Love covers a multitude of sins.