Discipline My Body

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

                                                            1 Corinthians 9:27

                 Paul shared the gospel with many people throughout his lifetime. And I guarantee that after he shared with some people that he would see them years later in unplanned circumstances. So as he says hear he disciplines his body and kept it under control, so that when others saw him they wouldn’t be confused in how he was acting. Hearing him maybe say one thing and act in a way contrary to what he said. Just as any leader, pastor, or even any Christian must do; making sure how you live your life is not contrary to what you have said and preached. As Paul does here I must discipline myself and limit myself with the things I do. Not being a stumbling block to those around me, whether Christian or not. If we are preaching something and then do not act it out, it gives what we said less credit and it loses its validity. The same pertains to my personal relationship with Jesus. Telling Jesus that we will give Him all our hearts and everything we have and then holding back little parts of our heart from Him. I pray that what I say to the Lord is not in conflict with what I do. Disciplining myself to read His word and get to know Him on a deeper level every day. Knowing that He blesses those who seek after Him. Sometimes I feel like it is easier to discipline my body physically than emotionally and mentally. People can’t see what we think or how we feel, they can only see our bodies and how we act. But even though people can’t see what I think, God can. Does that motivate me to be more disciplined in the things I let my mind focus on and seek after? God sees the heart and our motives behind all we do.

Application- check my motives behind what I do and discipline myself to take thoughts captive that are not of the Lord.