Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly….
Muscular Christianity, a nineteenth century British movement, capitalized on biblical texts like this one. A whole, religious person should be physically, mentally, and spiritually fit! The doctrine fit the ideology of Anglo-European superiority and prepared the lads to govern their world-spanning empire.
The Old Testament mentions no games that I can think of. Jews apparently refused the Greek values of physical fitness, nor did they have much admiration for the human physique. If Greeks carved magnificent statues of ideal men and women, their oppressed subjects in Jerusalem wanted no part of it.
But Paul of Tarsus, a Roman citizen, grew up in a Greek city and absorbed some of those values. He knew about games and competition and the virtues they celebrated. When he considered his part in the following of Christ, the analogy of a footrace came to mind, “Run so as to win!”
Discipleship is not simply the obedience of the disciple to the teacher; it is also a student’s personal discipline when no one is watching, when only the Spirit of the Master is present.
I sometimes ask hospitalized Veteran’s, “Why do you want to live?” Is there something you want to accomplish, experience, or see? A granddaughter’s graduation? The birth of a great grandchild? The last house payment?
The Christian is urged to help build the Kingdom of God, and we soldier on as if it might happen soon. This is why we pray daily, volunteer many hours, go the extra mile for our friends and family, donate money to various causes, vote conscientiously, and avoid immoral activities. The Spirit of God still disciplines us as disciples of Jesus, and still impels us to be the Good News to the ends of the Earth.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.