photo #9361195

26. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:1 Corinthians 9:26; KJV. Paul opens his heart about ministry, the rights of one called, and self-denial for Christ. Paul reestablishes his call as an Apostle, and the church at Corinth is his proof. He responded to his critics that it was lawful to have a wife and be supported by the church. Ministry should not be a hopeless grind; support is the church's duty. Paul has given these things up to keep his focus on Christ and the mission given him. Paul feels a deep responsibility to the calling and obligations of preaching Christ's gospel. And he does so willingly, without regrets. It brings Paul joy to preach without being a burden to the church. Paul gives a picture of the Christian life as a race. Everyone runs in the race for a temporary prize. But we are to run this Christian life as if receiving an eternal reward. Every athlete disciplines their lives so they have an opportunity to win. We also must discipline our spiritual life, that we may obtain the reward offered by Christ's sacrifice. We come to today's verse.Paul says, run, but know your destination; if you do not care where you are going, any road will get you there. Paul is focused on the battle; he is not shadow boxing, swinging at nothing; he is in a fight for souls, plucking them out of the very fire they earned. Paul has put his flesh under submission, so preaching to others, he is not disqualified by his words or actions. The lesson: The Christian life demands discipline. Ministry is service, not profit; we should seek how to bless, not what we can get. We have spiritual rights, but what is most important is, "How can I help others spiritually?" Amen.