Discipline the Body

Discipline is a transliteration of the Greek word hupōpiazō which means to hit under the eye as a boxer would hit his opponent under the eye crippling him from continuing on in a fight. This word also carries with it the idea of subduing one's passions until those passion become weak. The Apostle Paul disciplined his body, crippling those fleshly desires until they became weak and were no longer a hinderance to his work for the Lord.

Paul was in the habit of disciplining his body so that he would not be disqualified from serving the Lord. He desired to live a life above reproach; a life that would enable him to be effective for God's kingdom.

Let's ask ourselves the following questions:

~Am I living a life that is above reproach?

~Am I disciplining my body? my mind? my thoughts? my eyes? my tongue? my ears? my heart? my hands? my feet?

~If I haven't been living a disciplined life, what do I need to do to get back on track?

~Are there fleshly desires that I need to rid myself of?

As a participant in God's race, we must live a very disciplined lifestyle, one that is mirroring the life of Christ. What does the life of Christ look like? His life was one that exuded humbleness, servanthood, love, forgiveness, self control, prayer, patience, and gentleness.

Are you mirroring the life of Christ? Are you humble? Are you a servant? Do you love unconditional and forgive those who wrong you? Do you practice self control? Are you making your petitions known to God? Are you patient in all things and gentle with those around you?

"For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die;

but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,"

Romans 8:13, NIV

The Holy Spirit will help us put to death those fleshly desires that wage war within.

God has created each of us in Him image to fulfill His purposes for our lives. The only way we can fulfill that purpose is to always walk in His shadow and to be a mirror image of who He is.