The Grands Letter (1 Cor/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on October 20, 2025 7:02 am (CST)
Dear Grands,
1 Corinthians 9:24-27, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
When was the last time you watched a sporting event? Whenever it was, you witnessed athletes who had prepared themselves for the event. I could never have been considered an “athlete” by the standards of athletes today. Still, as a youngster, I trained and prepared myself as best as I could because winning was always more enjoyable than losing.
Athletics has existed for many years. The ancient Greeks were known to have trained in the gymnasium as early as the 1500s. Earlier still, Elijah is recorded in 1 Kings 18 as having urged Ahab to harness his chariot horses and hurry so that he might escape the heavy shower that was coming. Yet, Elijah fastened his cloak around his waist and outran Ahab to Jezreel on foot! Just imagine!
I have every confidence that the Apostle Paul was physically disciplined. He allowed that he was in the verses quoted above. Still, there is a spiritual discipline of which he spoke; and it is that discipline that is far superior to being able to outrun Ahab’s horses!
How disciplined are you? Are you disciplined in reading and studying the Scriptures? Are you regularly disciplined in prayer? How about your witness? Is your life so immersed in discipline that Christ is easily seen in your life and its activities?
No one so excels in spiritual discipline that he or she can afford to take time off. It was the famous pianist and composer, Ignacy Paderewski, who said, “If I miss one day of practice, I notice it. If I miss two days, the critics notice it. If I miss three days, the audience notices it.”
May we so discipline ourselves spiritually that everyone will notice that we live with and for Jesus!
Heartily in Christ,
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
United States of America
“We will never know that Christ is all we need
Until He becomes all that we have.” — Corrie ten Boom
