The phrase, “I’ve arrived”, may engender a feeling of contentment, accomplishment, and unfortunately, a lack of growth. There may be aspects in our lives in which we have arrived; however, our quest for spiritual maturity has no finish line – we can always become more like Jesus. It’s significant to note that the Apostle Paul, a man who wrote a significant part of the New Testament, stated that he had not arrived (Philippians 3:12). If Paul had not arrived, then we certainly have room for improvement. Paul reveals the attitude that we should have as we live the Christian life,

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. (1 Corinthians 9:24)

The problem is that too many people are passively drifting through life rather than seeking to take hold of the prize. People have a tendency to settle for good enough. So why do we find it so easy to settle? We like our comfort. If I want to take hold of the prize, it’s going to take effort, hard work, and sacrifice – and many people are not willing to pay the price. Winning the prize entails total life training,

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. (1 Corinthians 9:25)

The word “compete” implies entering into a struggle with difficulties and dangers. This is the word from which we derive our English word “agony”. Paul exercised self-control in all things because he realized the seriousness of the contest. Does your life reflect self-control in all things? He was not simply competing for a perishable wreath, but an imperishable prize. If you are focusing on that which is imperishable, then your life demonstrates purpose and intentionality.

Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:26-27)

The word “discipline” literally means to have a black eye and metaphorically it implies hardship. A disciplined person is able to do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done. Just as the diamond cannot be polished without friction, so you cannot be perfected without discipline. Paul demonstrated a healthy concern for not being spiritually disqualified.

If you believe you’ve arrived, then you may be reluctant to undergo the discipline and hardship to become more like Jesus. Anything worth having involves hard work and discipline. Our dilemma is that we have uphill desires, but downhill habits. Discipline involves choosing between what you want now and what you want most. You must realize that the pain of discipline is less than the pain of regret. May you discipline yourself to create those habits in which your desired behaviors occur automatically.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5