Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse:  Day 86

March 27;   I Corinthians 9:27;   142/260(I);   ‘Discipline the Body’

1 Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Paul, the Apostle, was an incredibly dedicated minister of the gospel.  He never quit, in spite of the hardships, persecutions and dangers he endured.  Paul knew full well, that even though he had been given great revelation of the truths of God by the Holy Spirit, teaching them very effectively, he had to always discipline himself, so that he was not a hypocrite.  James 1:14 teaches us that everyone of us, including Paul, have areas in our lives that the devil has been successful in tempting us.  We all have our bodies to discipline and we all have to control our thoughts and our emotions.  Paul, knowing the responsibility he had and the privilege he had been given in ministry, made a quality decision that he would always discipline his body and mind.  Another word for this is holiness.  Holiness can be looked upon as something you have to do.  If it is viewed in this way, it becomes nothing but legalism.  Holiness in its proper context means you are so aware of the honor you have to be a minister (we all are Ministers of Reconciliation) of the Lord Jesus, that you have purposed in your heart that you will refuse temptation and control your body, thoughts and emotions.  There is something very fulfilling in living a holy life.  It is difficult to put into words, but living as we should, by choice, brings peace and purpose like almost nothing else can.  The more you walk in holiness, the easier it is and the more effective you will be for the Lord.  We are called to imitate Jesus.  What an honor that is.  Living right is an incredible witness to the unsaved.  Holiness makes ‘our light shine.’