"Self Control in all Things"

Of course, more was needed to succeed than merely a good trainer.  Much depended on the athlete himself and on his commitment to the rigorous training.  The regimen was severe, since the training included strict abstinence and dieting.  Horace, a poet of the first century B.C.E., said that contestants "abstained from woman and wine"  to "reach the longed-for goal." And according to Bible scholar F.C. Cook, participants in the games had to undergo "self-restraint [and] spare diet . . .for ten months."

Paul used this analogy when he wrote to Christians in Corinth, a city very familiar with the nearby Isthmian Games:  "Every man taking part in a contest exercises self-control in all things."  (1 Corinthians 9:25)   True Christians avoid the materialistic , immoral, and unclean life-styles of the world.  (Ephesians 5:3-5; 1 John 2:15-17) Ungodly and unscriptural traits must also be stripped off and replaced by Christlike qualities. -Colossians 3:9, 10, 12.

How can this be done?  For one things, note Paul's answer by means of a forceful illustration:  "I pummel my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow." -1 Corinthians 9:27. 

How forceful a point Paul made here!   He was not recommending physical mortification.  Rather, he admitted that he himself had internal conflicts.  At times, he did the things he wished  not to do  and did not do the things he desired to do.  But he fought never to allow his weaknesses to get the upper hand.  He 'pummeled his body,' vigorously subduing fleshing desires and traits. -Romans 7:21-25.

All Christians need to do the same.  Paul told of the changes made by some in Corinth who had formerly indulged in fornication, idolatry, homosexuality, thievery, and so forth.  What enabled them to change! The power of God's Word and holy spirit coupled with their determination to conform to it.  "But you have been washed clean," said Paul, "but you have been sanctified, but you have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God."  (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Peter wrote similarly of those who had left off such bad habits. As Christians, they had all made real changes. -1 Peter 4:3, 4.

Next time: Well-Aimed Efforts

The Watchtower, 2002