DCLM Higher Everyday 29 May 2026 — No Shadow Boxing
Topic: No Shadow Boxing
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (KJV)
24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
KEY VERSE: “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air” (1 Corinthians 9:26).
Message
In ancient Greece (582BC to 146BC), the Isthmian Games were held in Corinth every 2 or 3 years. The Games included: horse, chariot and foot races. The winners were crowned with either a wreath of wild celery or a pine wreath (both of which were made of easily perishable materials). Apostle Paul points to the strict training, discipline and sacrifices these athletes made just to obtain a perishable crown, and challenges Christians to emulate these qualities.
Friend, the journey from earth to heaven after salvation is not a hundred metres-dash but a long-distance race. On our path are many things opposing our obtaining the incorruptible crown. These include self, society and Satan. To overcome them, we must run the race purposefully. Just like athletes, Christians need to make sacrifices and exercise self-control in all things. They should give up not only sinful pleasures but even legitimate pastimes if they interfere with their commitment to God. We must not become puffed up by human praises or demoralised by their insults. Persevere! Read your Bible! Pray daily!
Oh God, help me to finish well, in Jesus’ name.
Take the battle against self seriously.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
