|
"Do you remember how, on a racing track, every
competitor runs, but only one wins the prize? Well you
ought to run with your minds fixed on winning the prize.
Every competitor in athletic events goes into serious
training. Athletes will take trememdous pains - for a
fading crown of leaves. But your contest is for an eteranl
crown that will never fade. I run the race with determination.
I am no shadow boxer, I really fight. I am my body's sternest
master for fear that when I have preached to others I
should myself be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:24,
25.
It is accepted everywhere that athletic success is possible
only if there is self-control; the self-discipline of the
athletes, their utter devotion to the goal, to win the top
prize. There has to be this incredible dedication from athletes
in all the games and sports. Competition is so intense that
in many of them professionalism total absorption of time and
training is absolutely necessary.
This determination to reach the top has the constant reminder
that success is dependent on pre-competition practice and
coaching. Where there is not sufficient hard work victory
is for others. Success can never be certain. It is possible
with ability and the will to win.
The intention to reach the highest standard has to be the
aim if there is to be success in anything worth doing.
There is danger, of course, in total commitment in any career
or cause, work or sport. It can be selfish and repulsive.
Participants need to recognise the place and worth of others
who strive to obtain the same goal.
The emphasis these days is on self-expression, on people
doing their own thing in their own way. Society puts the restriction
by demanding that they control themselves as good citizens.
Most of us are taught in childhood to treat others unselfishly,
to be kind to them and to expect the same treatment in return.
We are taught to think before we speak, to be careful of what
we say and how we say it and not to jump quickly to conclusions.
All children should be taught to treat people and things respectfully
and honestly, and to recognise their indebtedness to others
like parents, friends, teachers and preachers. What they teach
and what children learn from them is of permanent value.
We are better people when we are self controlled and determined
to make the best of ourselves; to use well our opportunites
to fulfil our potential and to grow in worth.
Our good intentions can be restricted, diverted, by the weaknesses
of the flesh, laziness, thoughtlessness and self-devaluation.
We may be prevented from fulfilling ourselves by these barriers
in our way. It is never easy to overcome them but to do that
is necessary for our well being.
Self-control is not irksome when it has purpose behind it.
Paul the apostle was totally dedicated to Christ. His plan
was in the statement, "I go straight for the goal - my
reward the honour of being called by God in Christ."
Phillippians 3:14.
Paul's total commitment brought him joy but also scourgings,
shipwreck, loneliness and imprisonment. He felt that what
he had to do and be was no burdensome task, for him the cause
and the benefits made everything worthwhile. And there was
always good friends and supporters to help him in every emergency
but above all the consciousness of the presence of Christ
with him all the time.
The Christian is faced with two choices - to please himself
or to live with the set purpose of serving Christ and other
people. It has been said that the true calling of a Christian
is not to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things
extraordinarily well. Tasks of whatever kind can be done in
a gentle, generous spirit that overrides all petty paltry
feelings and elevates all that has to be done. There is always
the example of Jesus.
Canon Dr. S.E. Long
|
