.png)
Proverbs of a 38 yr old man
I beat my body. I am tired of running aimlessly without faith, fighting like I am beating the air and getting no works accomplished. No, I strike a blow to my body, not in a weird sadistic way in self righteousness. But I want to shake hell loose and build a strong mountain of faith within me. Blow after blow, I want so badly to persevere under trial, because when I have stood the test, I know I will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers on duty don't work at outside jobs. They try only to please their commanding officer. Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. So we need to persevere so that when we have done the will of God, we will receive what he has promised. I want to make my body a slave to righteousness so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize of eternal life. Oh holy discipline do your sacred work in me! Put a muzzle over my mouth and keep me in the narrow way. I want to flinch and turn back to the warm poison of sin. But that is how people ruin their lives, yes by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD. But it is the integrity of the upright that guides them, they are faithful and not destroyed by duplicity. For it is by patient endurance that you will gain your souls.
Study 1 Tim. 6:12
