But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1st Corinthians 9:27)
1st Corinthians 9:27 is a challenging verse. It is as challenging personally as it is theologically. And I think this is why we often avoid it. Yet our point today is not to discuss our control, lack there of, of our sin nature; nor, is our purpose to discuss backsliding. There is a tremendous amount of foresight in these few words. St. Paul understands and relates to us that a relationship with our Creator, through His son I add, is the most fundamentally essential purpose in life.
The joy of foresight is such that we do not need to ask “who am I?” or even “what is my purpose”, these questions are answered. We are heirs to His Kingdom and all this entails. Without minimizing anything in his words, it is not unfair to understand St. Paul as stating that he wants to live in such away that his choices, thought patterns, and actions do not lead him to anger, bitterness, selfishness, or negativity. These things can creep into the heart of the strongest amongst us as they enter, we trade out the joy we are entitled to as heirs to the Kingdom.
Here we must most look at a block of foundation this foresight is built upon; “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible” (1st Corinthians 9:19). This is discipleship. This is renouncing our personal identity that we may meet everyone we encounter on their level. Continued, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some”. This is the willingness to let go of our authenticity so that we may serve.
When we focus on ourselves, even in the most positive ways, we create the thought patterns that pull us away from the joy of our Creator. When we focus on the salvation of those around us we grow in His hands; this is the discipline of discipleship.1
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