me·di·oc·ri·ty [mee-dee-ok-ri-tee]
noun, plural me·di·oc·ri·ties.
1.the state or quality of being mediocre.
2.mediocre ability or accomplishment.
3.a mediocre person.
1 Corinthians 9
The Need for Self-Discipline
24 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. 25 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. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
The New International Version. 2011 (1 Co 9:24–27). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
During my reading this morning the verses above were cross references. I was reading 2nd Timothy and meditating on the gift that is in me and what I have or have not done with it. The more I think about it the more I feel convicted. I also read Matthew Henry's commentary which had a great quote,"The hindrance of usefulness in the increase of our gifts is slavish fear". Can you say ouch? I can. Fear of not knowing where God will take me with this gift, fear of not being adequate enough, fear of failing, fear of EVERYTHING! The words slavish fear brought me face to face with the fact that this fear has enslaved me and although I have used and stirred up my gifts, it's always been my way not Gods.
I am supposed to be in STRICT TRAINING to get that imperishable crown and to show myself ready and approved to God. Instead, I find myself being lazy or hesitant to go further. Paul said he isn't going to beat the air but instead discipline himself so that he doesn't miss out on what God has for him. He was deliberate when it came to the things of God. He deliberately disciplined himself or practiced his gifts. He'd submit himself to Gods sanctification process rather than create his own path to God. My way, my path and my process lead me to my prize, not God's eternal prize. Instead of being on my way to heaven I'd possibly be on my way to heaven or possibly miss the narrow way which leads to destination HELL.In running this race in mediocrity, just trying to make it across the finish line I am limiting God and allowing my past to dictate who I am. Just because "good enough" was good enough for my parents, why am still living under that same glass ceiling when I am new creation in Christ Jesus?
I am setting goals for myself and/or reaching for things that are in my reach already LOL. The joke is my goals don't require supernatural help or opportunities to watch God make ways for me. These verses are challenging and like a mirror for me. I look at Paul who is working hard and living to please God even when he has to strike a blow to his body, and I think when was the last time I struck a blow to mine. The last days are here so it's time to stop beating the air and start striking some blows to my flesh in order to submit to God. The joke is God wants the best for me yet I continue to choose the mediocre life behind door number 2. It's like being on a game show..all the angels and even God Himself is screaming at me "Pick door number one!!", I'm gripped with fear and think "what if they are wrong or door number 1 requires too much work?" "Thank ya Jesus but I'm going to have to go with 2nd best sorry..GIMME DOOR NUMBER 2!" I can just see the angels shaking their heads and saying "Are you serious?"
Moving from this good enough life into an excellent life isn't going to be easy but discerning I am there in the first place is an eyeopener for sure. It's time to stop quoting Philippians 4:13 -I can do everything through him who gives me strength- and start living it instead.
Nik
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