Day 1 : What is Your Finish Line? (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
Gentlemen, welcome to the Discipline Restored Challenge, my name is Justin Watkins and I’m privileged to run this race with you over the next few weeks.
We’re going to be focusing on building the value and practice of simple disciplines that will help us deepen our relationship with the Lord and His purpose in our lives. Today I want us to consider the challenge ahead – to map out the end goal, and the prize that we’re working towards so that you can get your mind, heart and body committed to seeing it through.
In October 2019, Eliud Kipchoge ran a marathon in the time of 2 hours, 1 minute and 39 seconds. Guys, let that sink in. That is running more than 26 miles at a pace of 4 minutes and 38 seconds. I couldn’t run one mile at that pace and this dude did it for 26 straight miles!
As someone who considers a 5k a long-distance run, I cannot fathom running that long at ANY pace. I’ve always needed a shorter goal in front of me- whether it’s on the football field or the basketball court, the point of running was to make the next play or shot. But whether you’re a world class long distance runner, love to fish on the weekends or have a corporate job with projects and deadlines, it is the satisfaction and impact of achievement that inspires us to put in the work to get to the finish line.
You need to know the prize we’re striving for is worth the sacrifice. And you need to value that end result if you are going to push through inevitable challenges and setbacks so you don’t become complacent or rundown.
A relationship with God is the greatest race we could ever be involved in, the greatest adventure of our lives. And if we want the greatest experience of that relationship, we will commit ourselves daily to knowing Him more. Listen to these words from Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27:
Don’t you realize that everyone in a race is running for the same thing, but only one person gets the prize? So, run to win the race! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade, but we have a prize that is eternal. So I run with purpose in every step, I fight to win. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
Run to win the race – fight to win. The prize in front of us is eternal and worth giving everything we have to reach it. To get there, we need to have discipline and purpose with every step.
When we cut corners or make excuses on the small things, our lives can quickly fall off course. These disciplines will help anchor you when life becomes busy, stressful or chaotic.
Over the next 30 days we are going to breakdown the disciplines of prayer, studying God’s Word and spending time in solitude. Some of this might be brand new to you, while others may have simply lost touch with the value of having disciplines as part of your daily routine. Men, we need to restore our value for commitment and consistency. We need discipline to keep us balanced, grounded and accountable to the Lord, His purpose and the people God has called us to influence and serve.
You will receive a short audio reflection with a discipline training activity to accomplish. These training exercises are designed to build on one another throughout the month and beyond our time together. And one of the consistent daily disciplines that I want you to make is finding accountability with others on the goal you’re pursuing.
You might be familiar with the African proverb that says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone – if you want to go far, go together.’ Do not do this challenge by yourself. Accountability and encouragement to stay the course will give you greater endurance to see this challenge through to the end.
Text a friend who is doing the challenge along with you or even someone who isn’t – However you do it, each day there is going to be something I want you to share with someone close to you.
So for today, here is your discipline training. All I want you to do is spend time answering this question: What is the prize you’re striving for at the end of this Challenge? What vision or goal are you setting to run towards?
Now take that vision and share it with someone else.
And go run to win the prize – Train yourself with purpose in every step. Restore the disciplines that will result in becoming the man of God He has called you to be and the prize of His relationship and purpose in your life. I’m glad to be running this race with you- each day is a new day to pursue that goal and I’ll see you back here tomorrow for day 2.
Discipline Training
- Answer the question: What is the vision/goal for your life that you’re pursuing at the end of this 30 day challenge?
- Share that goal with a friend to keep you accountable and at very least, write it down somewhere for yourself to keep
