1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: — The expression implies — I. WANT OF SKILL. The boxer who strikes about wildly has never learned his art. This has to be studied — 1. Patiently. Day after day must the labour be repeated. 2. Practically. No theory will teach the various cuts and defences without actual trial. And yet there are persons who think that they can enter upon the spiritual contest without either. II. WANT OF CONCENTRATIONS. The fighter who fights wildly loses his head and is lost, for his cool opponent seizes every opportunity, and calmly avails himself of every occasion of advantage. Does not our Christianity need a cool head, a concentration of purpose? Surely; and yet men suppose that any slipshod method, any wool-gathering frame of mind, will satisfy the requirements of that awful contest which is to win or lose eternal life. Should we not sit down sometimes amid the rush of life, and calmly inquire as to our position, difficulties, dangers, and progress? A merchant who acted aimlessly would soon come to grief; a ship's captain would soon wreck his vessel; a tradesman quickly come to the workhouse. And the Christian in the same way would soon fall a prey to the wiles of the devil. III. WANT OF PREPARATION. The athlete lays aside every weight. Even his clothes are cast off. Alas! how often Christians are handicapped with weights! One has a heavy golden chain about his neck. Another has a load of worldly affections round his heart and almost stopping its pulsations. A third has rings on his fingers which prevent his grasp. A fourth has his thoughts, his time choked with business. Or again another is absorbed with the sweet voices of pleasure. It is impossible to win with these "weights," and he who attempts to do so will be like one "beating the air." IV. WANT OF ENERGY. Activity is the soul of earthly business. How much more important is it in a contest such as a race or a fight And in spiritual matters energy is quite as essential. (J J. S. Bird.) Parallel Verses KJV: I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:WEB: I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, |
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