When Sylvester Stallone’s ROCKY hit the theaters in 1976, the half-dozen raw eggs in a glass, stirred up a bit, became the drink of choice for many young athletes prior to going on an early morning conditioning run. If there were stairs to run up, all the better. Rocky’s discipline to get in fighting shape made an impression on a generation.
Getting in fighting shape physically can be planned out, executed and measured along the way. The progress is visible and the results usually validate the discipline shown through the process. Getting in fighting shape spiritually is not as straight-forward, yet there are similarities. Discipline and self-control are critical in both the physical and spiritual realms, as Paul explains to the Corinthians.
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. Everyone who competes in the games, exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore, I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way as to avoid hitting air; but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. – 1Corinthians 9:24-27. “Corinth was home to the Isthmian Games, in size and significance second only to the Olympics. Athletics consumed the culture. Its’ citizens knew that for an athlete, the effort expended during a race is only a small fraction of the effort demanded throughout life. Children as young as seven were put through rigorous exercises to prepare for competition. When Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, he did not speak only of running and competing. He spoke also of training.” (Alistair Begg, Truth for Life). We are similar Corinth today with the way athletics consumes our culture. The opportunity, as Paul presents it, is to connect the physical discipline it takes to compete at a high level to the spiritual discipline needed to glorify God in all we do. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. – 2Corinthians 10:5. The fight men face in this world is against the arguments, pretensions, temptations and titillations that distract from the discipline needed to win. Paul said, “demolish arguments and every pretension...” The evil one is not to be entertained. He is to be demolished. The charge to dads is to get in fighting shape by practicing spiritual discipline and self-control.
Tips to Get in Fighting Shape:
- Read 1st and 2nd Corinthians;
- Complete the Nehemiah Initiative study with a battle buddy; (view intro video);
- Establish spiritual disciplines of daily time in prayer, Scripture and study.
Prayer guide: Thank You Lord for Your word and Your example of discipline and self-control in this world. I confess that spiritual discipline never made it on my radar as a young athlete. All was done with focus on self and a perishable wreath. Forgive me. Help me get in fighting shape through the daily practice of spiritual disciplines and self-control. In the power of the resurrected You and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, I can “box in such a way as to avoid hitting air.” Grant me strength to lead by example with discipline and self-control for the next generation. That is the dad You call me to be and that is the dad my kids need to see. Amen.
A faithful father leads by example with discipline and self-control.
