I watch sports of all kinds. September is a great time of year for this habit, with football season kicking off and baseball heading into the playoffs. Along with unscripted drama, I enjoy the athleticism displayed on the field, from diving catches to flat out sprints. Athletes perform well because they trained their bodies in the months leading up the games. All the work pays off on the field.

The apostle Paul trained his body like an athlete in order to preach the gospel more effectively: I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like the boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Bodily discipline influences spiritual effectiveness. I tend to dichotomize, separating body from soul. The Bible for the brain and doughnuts for the belly reflects my philosophy. But Paul took a different approach. He traveled broadly, suffered deprivations, and understood the need to keep his body in check. Staying healthy allowed him to evangelize across the Roman world for years and years.

Control your body. Exercise and eat right and maintain your health. Bodily discipline aids our development as effective ministers of the gospel.

1 Corinthians 9 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Bruno Nascimento