The Run-for-Imperishable-Prize Life

There are a few personality types when it comes to accomplishing goals: Those who think “no way” (the pessimists), those who think “no problem” (the delusional), and those who think “what goals?” (the apathetic). But we are in a race, and it is not Christian to come in last (that’s not what “the last will be first” refers to). Do you want to run and receive the prize, as 1 Corinthians 9:24 expects? And do you know what that want requires?

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. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24–27 ESV)

Paul says he wants the prize, and so he also says, “I discipline my body” (verse 27).

The original word is hupiazo (ὑπωπιάζω). The standard Greek dictionary offers these definitions:

• “to blacken an eye, strike in the face.” That’s from the compound nature of the word itself, “under” and “eye”
• “to bring someone to submission by constant annoyance; wear down,” and so:
• “to put under strict discipline; punish, torment.”

The different translations are a palette of synonyms: “discipline” (ESV/NASB), “buffet” (ASV), “strike a blow” (NIV), “punish” (NRSV), “beat down” (Geneva), “tame” (Tyndale), “subdue” (NET).

Bottom line, this kind of run-for-imperishable-prize life is UNCOMFORTABLE.

I referenced last week that now is a time of political reprieve, and that allows us time for running in public in all the spheres. Rise and run.