November 28
The Call to
Temperance
1 Corinthians 9:25
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.
Daily Steps
Having embraced our purposeful action (Day 274) in the world (Day 333), the new believer must now commit to the personal cost required to fulfill that mission. This verse uses the powerful analogy of an athlete to emphasize the Christian life as a race that requires strict training and temperance—self-discipline over the body and mind—for the sake of an eternal reward (Day 307).
The peace in this principle is found in disciplined effort:
The Athlete's Commitment: The secular athlete goes into strict training for a temporary prize (a crown that will not last). This commitment involves intense inner discipline (Day 335), abstinence, and hard work, showing that even worldly success requires focused diligence (Day 292).
The Superior Motivation: Our motivation is far greater: we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Our prize is the ultimate eternal inheritance (Day 312) and the fullness of God (Day 321). Because our reward is infinite, our commitment to temperance (self-control) should be absolute.
The Mandate for Temperance: To "train strictly" is to exercise self-control (The Fruit of the Spirit, Day 317) over our desires, emotions, and habits. It means choosing the tough road of holiness (Day 314) and resolute obedience (Day 283) over the easy path of comfort, securing our spiritual victory (Day 314).
Your peace is secured by disciplined effort. Embrace The Final Virtues of the Believer today by committing to strict training in at least one area of your life. See the temporary pain of self-control as a small investment in the crown that will last forever.
Reflective Question
If you treat your spiritual life like an athlete training for a race, what is one strict training habit (e.g., quiet time, reading the Word, resisting a temptation) you need to start today? How does the promise of a crown that will last forever motivate your disciplined effort?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess my desire for spiritual rewards without the necessary disciplined effort. I thank You for setting before me a crown that will last forever. I pray for the grace to enter into strict training and to embrace temperance and self-control. Secure my peace today in the value of the eternal reward, and empower me to run this race with diligence. Amen.
