| “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” – 1 Corinthians 9:27 |
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| THE FIRST PERSON YOU LEAD IS YOU!! We learn a major principle for life from 1 Corinthians 9:27 as it teaches us the FIRST PERSON YOU LEAD IS YOU! So often we focus so much of our time on what OTHERS need to be doing or not doing when in truth we need to be focused on what we need to be doing or not doing. The first person you should be concerned about and leading is yourself. In this verse, the Apostle Paul said, “I DISCIPLINE MY…!!” This statement means he was taking personal responsibility for himself! While having the responsibility of leading others he knew he had to LEAD himself first. From 1 Corinthians 9:27 one should be learning that taking PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for ONESELF is a TOP PRIORITY. As we think about this verse, please read carefully and thoughtfully the next statement. It is a quote I heard in a sermon years ago that has been a little adapted. It read, “One should never expect their gifts, talents, or even their calling to take them where their character can’t keep them.” The Apostle Paul understood the privilege of serving the Lord. He understood that discipline was needed as disqualification was a reality. To be disqualified means to be cast away like a bad piece of metal. To be disqualified is to lose the privilege of being used. As Paul looked at the areas that needed to be disciplined, he said he disciplined his body. Making this practical means we must discipline our eyes – ears – mind – mouth/lips/tongue – neck – hands – feet and most of all our heart. To discipline is to have charge of them. We are to be IN CHARGE of our body! Are you living a disciplined life? Are you in charge of you? Do you lead yourself well? I do want to say the statement above again as it needs to be embedded in your mind and heart. Don’t expect your gifts, talents, calling, or even past and present successes to take you where your character can’t keep you! From I Corinthians 9:27 you must know that your lack of integrity will cause you to lose your opportunity to influence. Lead yourself with discipline so that you may not be disqualified! Verse to DATE the Word on September 27 (9/27) is 1 Corinthians 9:27. It says, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” Don’t allow your character to count you out but rather have a character that others can count on. Continue Strong leading yourself with Discipline! And remember to DATE the WORD. |