Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24
Leadership is getting someone to do what they don't want to do, to achieve what they want to achieve.
-Tom Landry
I've never seen a half-hearted athlete excel and enjoy their sport. Pouring yourself into something leads to both enjoyment and success. Championships last one year, or at the most, four. World records last until someone else breaks them. If an athlete will commit and exert themselves to the limit, how much more should I strive to discipline myself for the purpose if godliness, which rewards me from now to eternity!? In a real sense, athletes spend their bodies in the pursuit of the goal. I spend my life.
In order to make it to the top, athletes have coaches. No athlete has been successful without having a coach to make him do what he doesn't want to do in order to reach a goal that he's always wanted. As a follower of Christ I should not resent someone rebuking or correcting me. I should invite it.
If I live as if the Bible is true, then I discipline myself for my greater good.
