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 9:24-27
This was a reference to the Olympics performed in Greece every two years. Every day athletes would train in the hopes of winning the prize. Today, athletes still train daily for competitions and some do make it to the Olympics. They learn how to control their body to do what they need to do so that they can win. Paul uses this as a metaphor of what we as Christians do.
Just as athletes must practice certain disciplines so that they can win a race, we as Christians must also practice certain disciplines so that we can obtain the spiritual prize. We cannot run aimlessly, with no clear goal in life, but we must discipline our body and spirit and keep it under control. We must run with focus, with purpose. We must deny our passions so that we can win the race.
We must practice spiritual disciplines so that we might be fitted for the kingdom of God. What great irony it would be if we act like a servant of God but do not discipline our body and live a life that might help disqualify us for gifts in heaven. We can either take our life seriously and pursue godliness or live as if it's all a show.
What race are you running? Are you running a purposeful race for spiritual things or are you running in circles? We all run a race, do not run aimlessly in your Christian faith, but discipline your body and rightly order your life so that you can run to receive the prize.
