Gold-Silver-Bronze
We enjoyed the Olympics, especially when the American athletes won. The final medal count for the Americans was 46 gold, 37 silver, and 38 bronze. My wife enjoyed the gymnastics most and I the swimming.
How easy they made it look. Why were they able to make it look so easy? Think of the mental and physical discipline they put themselves through in four years of preparation. Each of them set goals to reach, gold, silver, or bronze.
If the apostle Paul had been living today he probably would have watched the Olympics. He uses many expressions in his writings relating to sports. “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (II Timothy 4:7)
The thing that enabled each of the American medalists was the constant discipline they put themselves through. Likewise, discipline enabled the apostle Paul to fight a good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (I Corinthians 9:27)
““Have you become a victim of routine? Beginning to think demoralizing thoughts like, ‘Aw, what’s the use?’ and, ‘It isn’t worth the effort?’ Starting to sigh rather than smile . . . focusing on the hurdles rather than the tape at the end of the race? If so, you have a lot of company. Surrendering to despair is man’s favorite pastime. God offers a better plan, but it takes effort to grab it and faith to claim it.” ”
Both the apostle Paul and Peter express how important it is for us to be disciplined and maintain self-control as believers in Christ Jesus to become the people He wants us to be.
What are your goals?
Do you live a devout and disciplined life? (Titus 1:8)
Do you think clearly? (I Peter 1:13)
Do you exercise self-control? (Titus 2:2)
Are you earnest and disciplined in your prayers? (I Peter 4:7)
What are your goals and how disciplined are you to reach them?