Don't be disqualified

“No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
In the last few verses of 1 Corinthians 9, Paul likens the Christian life to a race, encouraging us to “Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Cor. 9:24). This isn’t to say that we are competing against each other; rather, it shows us the kind of dedication that is required to live for God. Here, in verse 27, Paul says it is possible, even for him, to be disqualified from the race.
A disqualification is different from ‘did not finish’. It means you ran the race, and crossed the finishing line, but somewhere along the way you cheated or did something against the rules of the race. It means you are ineligible to receive a prize, even if you came first.
So too in the Christian walk. Being disqualified does not mean a loss of salvation (because we did finish the race), but it does mean a loss of rewards. We can all think of preachers who stood up against some sin or lifestyle, and then ended up falling into it themselves. Even Paul acknowledged that he had the capacity to do this. So, he says, he beats his body and makes it his slave. He refused to give in to his sinful bodily desires. We should learn to do the same thing. Sin starts in the mind, when we entertain a sinful thought. If you don’t nip it in the bud right there, it will grow and eventually manifest itself in the actual act. There are valuable spiritual rewards to be obtained. Don’t blow it by indulging in sin – be disciplined.