In Genesis 1:26, we learn that we have been created in the image of God.  A part of what that means is that we have been created as rational beings with the ability to choose which course of life we will follow.  In other words, we have been created as free-moral beings and must choose for ourselves how we are going to live our lives.

God will not force us to live the way He wants us to live, and the way that is in our best interest.  We must choose.

Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
¹⁵  And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Since the way we live is a choice, self-discipline is a critical factor in determining whether we go to heaven or not.  In a world filled with trials and tribulations, being able (or willing) to exercise temperance in life is very necessary.  Paul understood this well.

1 Corinthians 9:24 (ESV)
²⁴  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

Paul is emphasizing effort in this verse.  How should we run the race of Christianity?  We should run as if only one person can receive the ultimate reward, and we want to be the one who obtains it.  What does it take to put forth the maximum effort to win the prize?  It takes the discipline that is needed to possess self-control.

1 Corinthians 9:25 (ESV)
²⁵  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

If athletes in physical games exercise self-control for a temporary prize, we should have even more discipline over ourselves, seeing we are striving for an eternal prize, and we must realize that the time to exercise such discipline and control is now.

In verse twenty-six, Paul describes what athletes do when they are preparing for the main event, that is, they are just practicing.  Sometimes in practice, competitors just go through the motions.  They run, but they have no goal line to reach.  They shadow box, but there is no opponent before them.  They do not give their absolute best because it is just practice.

For us, every day is game time.  It is never just practice.  We must discipline ourselves to give our all to God every day.

1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV)
²⁷  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

In the end, Paul finished the course (2 Timothy 4:7).  Why?  Because he disciplined himself and gave maximum effort to God every day in order to avoid being disqualified.  How are you living your life?

As you wind down for the night, think about these things