1 Corinthians 9:27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
‘To discipline or ‘to buffet’ in the original transcripts in Greek is “hupopiazo” which means to beat someone black and blue, like a boxer hitting under the eye, to “discipline” or “subjugate” the body through rigorous self-control and hardship. We have authority to train our body!
We are a spirit, we have a soul and we live in a body. Many people are dragged by their feelings and live to satisfy the cravings of their flesh. We don’t have to do all that our body pushes us to do. Our body might want to laze around in the bed for longer than we need to rest, our body might refuse to go for a walk or to the gym, our body might want to eat a packet of cookies at one go but don’t give-in – crucify the flesh and its cravings!
The Apostle Paul says that he was hard on his body and did not give into laziness, lousiness or licentiousness.
- Crave: The simple way to discipline our body is to say a firm “No” to the cravings. If your body wants to sleep for 5 more minutes, wake up ½ an hour early. If the body craves sugar, go on a sugar fast for 7 days. Kill the craving.
- Cautious: Be cautious and alert. Anointing breaks the yoke of slavery to sin but God’s Word, stored in our heart, disciplines our thoughts and actions. Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it (Joshua 1:8). The Holy Spirit is a good parent – He will not do what we can do for ourselves; listen to His cautions and respond circumspectly.
- Control: We must subject our feelings and flesh to the Holy Spirit who indwells in our spirit. We must guard our mind from wandering into vain imaginations, fantasies and daydreaming and stop emotional turmoil, anger, fear or frustration. Discipline and control develop the fruit of self-control.
Don’t let your feelings or cravings take charge.
We have authority over our mind, mouth and moods.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to subject my soul and body to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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