*THE LAMP DEVOTION* *WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8* *WALKING IN | THE LAMP📖
*THE LAMP DEVOTION*
*WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8*
*WALKING IN CONSTANT* *DISCIPLINE*
*1 Corinthians 9:24-27*
_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. 25 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. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified_
The Apostle Paul uses a familiar scenario to teach a critical principle for Christian experience. Every four years, athletes around the world gather for the Olympic games. In between the four years, all athletes put themselves through constant discipline. They engage in several tournaments. If you have a chat with one of the top athletes, they will tell you their preparation agenda, right from what foods they eat, what they avoid, the regular physical exercises they do, etc.
One word simply describes their lifestyle – discipline. In their preparation, they factor in also the regulations for their specific events. They do all these to avoid being disqualified in the finals. On the tracks they also in particular wear very light material, avoiding anything that will hamper their movement.
Paul wants us to view the Christian life like a race. Though Jesus has won the victory for us, we still must run according to the rules to experience the victory. If you live extensively according to the flesh for example, the victory will remain a dream far beyond your reach. The apostle after all he had experienced in Christ continues to discipline himself. For as long as we live in this mortal body, discipline is inevitable.
*Prayer*
1. Thank God for the victory Christ has already won for you and your family.
2. Pray that you will put yourself through the required discipline to reap good results.
3. Father, please help me subdue all desires of the flesh and walk in constant discipline.
*Declarations*
I declare that I am a candidate for victory in the Christian experience. I am destined to wear the crown awaiting me. In this life I put my flesh under subjection. I appropriate the work of the cross in my life. My spirit shall always go ahead of my flesh. I will live a life of discipline till my work on earth is done in the name of Jesus.
Author:Archbishop Nicholas* *Duncan-Williams.
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