by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

1 Corinthians 9:25-27
And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.

If you're in the race and running, don't let anyone hinder you from running well. But has it ever occurred to you that you could be disqualified in the race? We toy with disqualification when we repeatedly reject God's leading in our lives-willful, deliberate disobedience.

Look around at the human debris of those who have been disqualified from usefulness to God. I don't condemn those who fail-I stand in ministry today because of the grace of God in my life. But those disqualified have become examples warning me that I, too, could be disqualified and declared "no longer usable" by God.

How do you run to win? Here are Paul's rules for the race:

Exercise self-control in all things. The discipline of our desires is the backbone of character. Know what tempts you and avoid it. Augustine, the great Christian philosopher, lived a licentious life before his conversion. One day, shortly after becoming a believer, Augustine encountered a young woman with whom he had sinned. Augustine turned immediately and began running away as the woman cried out, "Augustine! Augustine! It is I! It is I!" But Augustine just kept running, and yelled back over his shoulder, "It isn't I! It isn't I! It isn't I!"

Know where you are going. The finish line for the Christian is standing face-to-face with the Person of Jesus Christ in eternity. Keep your eyes on Him. Grow in your love for Him. Be pleasing to Him.

Be willing to sacrifice. The Christian life will cost you your life. You and I must deny our rights and die to ourselves.

Run to win. It's the only race that really counts!

Prayer:

That you and your spouse will withstand temptations and lead holy lives.

Discuss: Is there anything in your life right now that could disqualify you? Share with your spouse any temptations you may be facing.

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