MARCH 29, Galatians 5:22, 2 Timothy 2:1-7

Apostle Paul used three pictures of people who live self-controlled lives if they are to succeed – the soldier, the athlete and the farmer. Let us focus on athletes – you know they have to be very disciplined.

The Olympics is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. And one of the most watched events in the entire Olympics is the Men’s 100 meter race. Whoever wins it is often called “The Fastest Man in the World”. And when this man wins it and stands on the winner’s podium, people round the world cheer and acknowledge him. The world is not only giving credit to his achievement in winning the race, but also the self-control or self-discipline in the many years that he has put in to achieve this win.

Behind all athletes who succeed and win are many consistent habits of self-control. They must be disciplined in having enough hours of sleep and rest, eating and drinking well, and having a disciplined lifestyle. Athletes must spend lots of time training and practicing. They run in the tracks and go to the gymnasium. They carry weights to build muscles for strength and stretch to develop flexibility. Often, they are cut off from friends or other social events because they have to concentrate on their training. So it is in Christian life – we are to be disciplined.

Young reader, as a Christian, you must discipline yourself in being a true Christian. Ask yourself these questions:

Do you honestly love God?                                                                                        YES / NO

Do you love other people, even those who hurt you?                                          YES / NO

Are you obeying your parents?                                                                                  YES / NO

Do you read your Bible and pray every day?                                                           YES / NO

Do you share Christ with unbelievers?                                                                      YES / NO

Do you meet Christians for fellowship regularly?                                                   YES / NO

Do you control your tongue?                                                                                       YES / NO

When we recognize that our aim is to please the Savior, self-control is not too difficult. All athletes have goals, and you as a Christian must have your goal. What would it be? To please yourself or to please the Lord Jesus?

Thought: Do I seek to please myself or Jesus?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me strength to live for Thee, to be disciplined like an athlete to live a pleasing life unto the glory of God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.