BY PASTOR GREG CRUM
“But 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.” I Corinthians 9:27
Paul’s message to the first century believers in Corinth was simple—Christian, keep your body in check. Why? Because Paul understood that their best life in these mortal bodies would only be achieved when they learned to allow their spirits to rule their minds and bodies. It was a lesson he had learned from the Lord, and a lesson that we should learn as well. The man or woman who “ruleth his spirit” is mightier than he who “taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32), but “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)
In I Corinthians Chapter 9, Paul shares with the young believers in that church that he purposed to keep his body under control. That idea of keeping something under control is one that we’ve all heard, but in this context, what exactly was Paul talking about? What was under the control of what? I mean, he was talking about himself, right? Of course! So, who was the “I” and what was that “I” keeping under control? Well, the “I” Paul was speaking about was his spirit, the real Paul, not the outward lump of clay that can be seen in a mirror.
Here in I Corinthians, much as he does elsewhere in the writings of the New Testament, when Paul was speaking of his person, he was specifically speaking of his spirit man. Paul (and other great pioneers of our faith, I might add) had a wonderful understanding of who he really was, and he kept his focus on those parts of himself that mattered most.
That brings us to a very important Biblical truth—one so important for us to understand in today’s superficial society: man is a spirit being, not a body, not a mind, but a living spirit made in the image of God! Now, it’s true that we have a body and a soul (in this context a mind/intellect), but those things are not who we really are. They are not what is eternal. The body and the mind are just components that allow us to live on this planet and interact with, and in, this environment. I often think of them as our “earth suits” and survival gear for our mission on this outpost assignment. They are important, but far from the most important aspects of our being, and often, very far from the best of who we are.
Sadly, but understandably so, the world focuses on the body and the mind, the lesser parts of our current construction. Why? To acknowledge and focus on the spirit being is a step too close to acknowledging and focusing on The Being who created us in that likeness. In fact, while focusing on the body and mind tends to draw us toward the animalistic and carnal, focusing on the spiritual aspect of humanity usually leads us closer to God. So, what should we do? Focus on the spirit! Determine to be “spirit-minded” and follow that path to a better life in this life.
Brothers and sisters, we are always going to be better off when our spirits are allowed to be at the forefront—allowed to lead, to rule, to be in charge of our minds and bodies. Romans 8:5-6 puts it this way: “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Do you want your best life in this life? You’ll find it when you consistently allow the real “you,” your spirit man, to lead the way!
Greg Crum is the pastor of Calvary Temple in Lovely.