Knowledge and Mastery

1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

A thought struck me recently; the differences (in most circumstances) between many of us has less to do with revelation of truths, but more to do with a complete application of them. I think in most cases that we all have a decent amount of revelation on the right and wrong, black and white, left and right. What I have come to believe is that knowledge itself is not the sticking point. The issue is "mastery".

Paul is talking about elite athletes in this section of Scripture. Drawing a comparison between how the life of an athlete is constrained for the cause of their performance. It isn't about knowing the rules of the game. It is about going beyond the rules and becoming greater than average. The very greatest of competitors will devote hours upon hours in the fine tuning of their craft. Countless repetitions train muscles and minds to react with little effort when the heat of battle arrives. They become instantly reactive, rather than needing to debate even for a split second. Baseballs seem to travel slower towards the finest hitters. Basketball rims seem as wide as the ocean to shooters that are "in the zone". Football players see the game slow down and become more like chess. The competition becomes an exercise in anticipation rather than reaction.

Many athletes hire personal chefs because they have dietary restrictions. Others have routines they follow so as to keep their minds sharp. All of this in order to obtain a title of G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time).

In the Christian arena, we generally understand the rules of the game. Salvation, prayer, giving, and the rest are principles that are conveyed by almost every pulpit in the land. But there are many who will say that just being in the game is enough. To use an analogy, they are glad to sign a minimum contract so that they can say "I played in the League!". But there are others who, for the sake of a Spiritual crown, choose to be "temperate" (or restricted) in their lifestyles. They are not satisfied with an "also ran" status. They are not content with average or acceptable. They are intent on being the greatest of disciples. But here is the rub: greatness with God requires the greatest restraint.


Luke 22
 24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
 25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
 26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

To this I say, Lord, help me to serve and to be humble. To restrict my own desires for yours. To become a master of these Truths and not just a man with head knowledge. God, help me to pay the price in order to be approved and not just accepted.