Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things…I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection.
—1 Corinthians 9:25, 27
Here Paul reminded us of the well‑known principle that anyone competing for a prize is “temperate in all things.” Everything, however attractive, that might be a hindrance in the race is given up or set aside. And this is done in order to obtain an earthly prize. We who strive for an “incorruptible [crown]” (verse 25) and strive so that Christ may be Lord of all—will we not be “temperate in all things” that could in the very least prevent our following the Lord Jesus with an undivided heart?
Paul said, “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection.” He would allow nothing to hinder him. He told us, “One thing I do…I press toward the mark for the prize” (Philippians 3:13–14). No self-pleasing in eating and drinking, no comfort or ease, would for a moment have kept him from showing the spirit of the cross in his daily life, or from sacrificing all, like his Master. Read the following four passages that comprise Paul’s life history: 1 Corinthians 4:11–13; 2 Corinthians 4:8–12; 2 Corinthians 6:4–10; and 2 Corinthians 11:23–27. The cross was not only the theme of his preaching, but also the rule of his life in all its details.
We need to ask God that this disposition may be found in all Christians and preachers of the gospel, through the power of the Holy Spirit. When the death of Christ works with power in the preacher, then Christ’s life will be known among the people. Let us pray that the fellowship of the cross may regain its old place, and that God’s children may obey the command: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). “He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (verse 8). “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection” (Romans 6:5).