Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly … No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize – 1 Cor. 9:26-27

Every year comes with its own promises and opportunities, and 2017 is no exception. It is pregnant with new areas to explore and conquer. It is heavy with ideas and concepts to think through and open up. It is laden with dew from heaven to provide moisture for a bumper harvest. 2017 is fresh and loaded with divine strength, ability, and enablement to accomplish everything God opens to us. It depends on how we walk with God, who has graciously opened His treasury to us for fruitfulness. But, in spite of all its promises and opportunities, 2017 has also come along with its challenges and snares. One little mistake, one careless move, and we could find ourselves swimming in the pool of despondency and pain. So, how do we ensure that we live to reap the bounty of this year, avoiding the snares along our path, and overcoming the challenges that may confront us? 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 provides the answer with the analogy of an athlete in training for a race. He needs self-discipline, and that’s what we need too. Three things are prominent here.

First, the race provides an opportunity for a shot at the prize in glory (v.24). The athlete cannot fail to see the opportunity a race presents for a prize; or he may not engage in it at all. So it is for us. If we fail to see this year as an event in the race of life which has opened its treasury to reward us richly if we partake with diligence, we will miss the opportunity to enrich our lives and be fruitful. It takes a disciplined mind to see and embrace opportunities and make the most of it (Eph. 5:15-16)

Second, the athlete cannot expect to win the prize if he fails to engage in strict training in preparation for the event. The body needs toning with strengthened muscles. The mind has to be focused and the heart has to be won into the race. There is the diet to establish and watched keenly for strength and to avoid packing excess weight. Time regimen for training has to be set and followed strictly without fail. . These disciplines are necessary, if the athlete is determined to win the prize (vv. 24b-25).

Third, there is the body to conquer and submit to the strict training regimen. The body wants its way. It wants the glory but hates the pain it has to endure to bring itself in shape for the race. So, left to itself, the body will always fail us. The body, therefore, has to be brought under control and in shape for the race to win the prize. That’s why Paul says that he beats his body and makes it a slave so that he can win the prize (vv. 26-27). That’s self-discipline, and it does not come easily. It comes with pain and suffering.

  May the Holy Spirit provide you with the ability to discipline yourself for the 2017 race of life to win the ultimate prize; and may He enable you to reap the benefit of temporary prizes here on earth without letting them slow you down on the course to glory.