I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27)

The year 2018 is upon us at last. 2017 has gone with its troubles and disappointments and failures, but the vision and hope live on. We cherish our best moments in 2017, for God has been good to us. That, we cannot deny, despite all the suspense and setbacks. So, we will be ungrateful not to be thankful.

Every year comes with its own promises and opportunities, and this one is no exception. It is pregnant with new areas to explore and opportunities to seize. It’s heavy with ideas and concepts to think through, and laden with dew from heaven to refresh.There is divine strength, ability, and enablement to accomplish what God has for you. But, much depends on how you walk with the Lord Jesus. He has opened His treasury for your spiritual and physical enrichment, so go for it.

Despite all its promises and opportunities though, 2018 has challenges and snares to guard against. One little mistake, one careless move, and you could find yourself swimming in the pool of despondency and pain like Esau.

How then do we ensure a healthy walk with Jesus, and avoid the snares along the path? 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 provides some profitable hints, as Paul sets before us, three things for our consideration.

First, every difficult situation provides an opportunity to excel (v.24). The incentive for every athlete is the prize a race presents. Likewise, we must see this year as an event in the race of life. It promises many rewarding opportunities if we run the race with diligence.It presents us with the opportunity to enrich our lives. With disciplined minds, we can embrace every opportunity 2018 brings and make the most of it (Eph. 5:15-16)

Second, strict training is a prerequisite for the victor’s crown in every race. The athlete must tone the body and strengthen the muscles. They must establish a strict time regimen for training that must be strictly followed without lapses. Additionally, the athlete must keenly watch their diet and work to avoid packing excess weight. That is the attitude that wins the prize for every athlete (vv. 24b-25). These  are disciplines that are necessary for the believer to run a healthy race of faith to obtain a crown.

Third, bringing the body under submission to the strict training regimen of the athlete is tremendously important for winning a prize. The body wants its way. It wants the glory, but hates the pain and inconveniences of the strict training. Paul knows this, so he beats his body and makes it a slave to give him the opportunity for the prize (vv. 26-27). That’s self-discipline, and it does not come easily.

  May the Holy Spirit provide you with the ability to discipline yourself for the   event of life this year to win the ultimate prize in glory; and may He enable you to reap the benefit of temporary gains here on earth, without letting them slow you down on the course to heaven.