Feelings can be very hard to deal with. Whether being rejected by a loved one or missing the mark at work, dwelling on the rejection or defeat can throw us for a loop or even into anxiety or depression. But we don’t have to stay in that place. In the Bible 1 Cor 9: 25-27 talks about disciplining our bodies and making our bodies our slave. Wow, imagine being in such control of your body that you don’t have to submit to every urge, impulse, longing, or negative emotion that you feel. Sounds freeing to me! It doesn’t come easy though. According to the scripture it takes discipline. The Bible uses the analogy of a someone competing in games that goes into strict training to prepare. In verse 25 though, it mentions we are training not for an earthly trophy, but an eternal prize or reward.

It makes me think of people who train for marathons. They train not for a day, not for a month, but for an extended period of time. Not only do they create a running schedule to get their bodies used to long distances, but they learn and get accustomed to the type of terrain they will be running on, they eat well, and get proper rest. Over time their bodies get into ‘shape’. Their bodies are prepared for the rigors of a marathon.

In the same way we as Christians need to train ourselves to live a godly life. We need to train ourselves to overcome sinful desires that are not pleasing to God. We need to be led by the Holy Spirit and not our urges and emotions. I believe this process happens over time with practice just like it does for those training for a marathon. We need to keep in mind that this happens with God’s help, so we need to pray and ask the Lord for His strength as we start the journey to self discipline. And keep in mind that in the end we are striving to hear those words ‘Well done my good and faithful servant’.

How will you shine today?