Running the Race 2

Scripture Reading:

• 1 Corinthians 9:25 - Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a

perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

• 1 Corinthians 10:23 - All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,”

but not all things build up.

• Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also

lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that

is set before us.

Thought:

When you pack your disc golf bag, or cart, you are thoughtful of what you put in it. The more you

put it the heavier it is, and the more it wears you down throughout the round. At first, an extremely heavy

bag or cart may seem ok. After 3 to 4 throws each hole (more if I’m playing), plus the throws for the other

people on your card, picking it up or pulling it that many times, the extra weight wears you down. Since

the point is disc golf, and not moving a bag or cart around, it is detracting from your goal.

Earlier in 1 Corinthians 9, Paul talks about giving up his rights in order to share the Gospel, and in

verse 25 points us to the reason, to obtain what is eternal through Christ. Paul one chapter later explains

that just because something is permissible, does not mean it is helpful in our walk with the Lord. An

example of this is seen in Hebrews 12, where we are encouraged to let go of anything that weighs us down

in our service of the Lord, to ensure we are able to complete the race before us.

It is natural to feel resistant to giving up something, even if we want it and it is ok. It is not a

question about what we can and cannot do in our life as a Christian, but rather where do we want our

energy to go. If we want our energy to go toward building up our relationship with the Lord, anything

that does not do that, even if it is not inherently bad, can deter from that. It does not mean we avoid

everything in this world, or others, which also could be detrimental to our relationship with the Lord.

Rather we are thoughtful of where we place our energy.

Reflection 1: Are there things in my life which are distracting from my relationship with the Lord?

Reflection 2: How can I ensure that distractions do not hamper my growth in the Lord?

Prayer: Lord, I thank-you that despite the many distractions in my life, nothing can separate us. I pray

that through Your Holy Spirit, You would remove anything that takes away from our relationship. In

Christ’s name I pray. Amen!

Contributed by: Dean Langenhahn | PDGA #208802