Here is today’s Bible reading: Nehemiah 9:22-10:39; 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13; Psalm 34:1-10; Proverbs 21:13.

1 Cor. 9:24-27 (NIV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. [25] Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. [26] Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. [27] No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

This is a great passage on the heels of the Olympics. We greatly admire the discipline required to be great in athletics. But Paul tells us that it takes the same attitude toward discipline to reach our spiritual potential. Athletes need coaches and peers to push them to athletic excellence. Likewise, we need mentors and peers who will challenge us spiritually and hold us accountable.  Athletic training is painful.  It requires self-denial. Spiritual training, which is of far greater significance, also requires self-denial and an accompanying pain. But the reward for those who run the race well far exceeds the cost.