Joshua 1:8
July 30, 2024
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 30 JULY
July 30, 2024
THE 30th OF JULY
THE ETERNAL REWARDS OF SELF-CONTROL
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Paul uses an example familiar to the Corinthians of his day, as well as to us today. The games in Greece included various athletic competitions, where athletes had to follow certain rules and exercise self-control in all things. Each competitor would strive to win, but only one could finish first and receive the prize.
We can learn important lessons from athletes. They must be disciplined and abstain from many pleasures. They train rigorously, investing significant effort and time, knowing they might still lose, as only one can win. Despite this, they deem it worthwhile. How much more should we consider it worthwhile to discipline ourselves, abstaining from sin to please God, knowing that we can reach heaven.
Unlike Greek games and other sports, where only one wins, we all can receive the ultimate crown as long as we persist, continuing to discipline ourselves and live rightly for our Lord until the end.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I am so blessed to be Your child! I cannot imagine anything greater than living to please You and bring glory to Your Holy Name! It is far better for me to use the fruit of self-control You gave me through the Holy Spirit, to abstain from all sin and lusts of the flesh. Help me never forget that obeying Your commandments is best for me, and only by doing so can I live the abundant life that Jesus came for me to have. Thank You, dear Lord, for Your Word, which teaches me how to live rightly and please You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
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