Open the Word: We are called to self-discipline

Paul helps us to consider discipline and discipleship.

• In this reading from Corinthians, Paul is setting out to inform those Corinthians who wanted to take the easy way of faith that no person will ever get anywhere, within the faith, without the strictest self-discipline.

• Paul uses the example of an athlete. This would be an image known to all Corinthians, for at Corinth the Isthmian games were held, second only to the Olympic games. They would know that an athlete must train with intensity, and must undergo self-discipline in order to win a crown of laurel leaves.

• Paul is advocating that all Christians undergo training and self-discipline not just to win the crown of laurels which perishes but the crown of life, everlasting life. This self-discipline involves disciplining our minds and involves prayer, study of the Scriptures and worship, not aimlessly, however; there must also be a purpose to self-discipline. The runner does not run ‘aimlessly’, that is without a goal in view. Neither does a boxer fight as if he has no opponent to hit. Each has an objective; each is orientated towards a goal.

• It is all too easy to worship on Sundays and then forget about what we have done, putting the church bit of our life into a little box, to be opened up once a week. Would our lives be different if we were able to keep in touch during the week, sharing the every-day challenges with which we are faced and praying for each other. Even in our busy urban lives we might be able to manage it by texting, blogging or a social network site.

• There is much emphasis in the contemporary Church on training for discipleship, with the end goal of a learning Church, but the Church needs to resource this ministry properly. Despite our shortage of time we might be able to do this on-line or by sharing with one another.

• All are called to ministry; all are called to the self-discipline of prayer and study. Perhaps it would be possible to sit down together and work out what would realistically be necessary to help us all live up to this calling?

Living faith

For discussion: What are the goals in your life? What role does your faith play in these goals? How can the Church help people in their journey of faith, to be more self-disciplined?