Have you ever noticed that a funeral’s eulogy often relates how the deceased impacted those around him or her? We have a tremendous need to assign significance to a person’s life at that point. The worst thing we could say is, “This person’s life had no meaning whatsoever!” People want to achieve significance in life; they want to make a difference!
The apostle Paul wrote a great deal about the search for significance in life. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, he described how we can experience significance. The person who wants to live a meaningful life must have…
Drive (v.24). Paul was saying, “Don’t settle for a tie; go for the win!” Give every day all that you have to give; God has given us one life to live – live it for Him (Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 12:1; 2 Timothy 4:6). Great tragedy is when a person possesses talent, brains and ability, but drifts through life because he has no ambition and no drive. He or she willing to settle for mediocrity. Therefore, set your sight on heaven and live so as to go there.
Direction (v.26). Life is a two-way street: one road going to heaven and the other going to hell (Matthew 7:13-14). Since we are going to leave this world someday, and when we do, we will live either in heaven or hell forever, it is essential that we know where we will end up. The broad road leads to “destruction.” This word refers to “loss.” It speaks of “total and absolute ruin.” It speaks of the loss a person can expect to suffer in the fires of hell. However, Jesus promised those who travel the narrow way everlasting life, not just a better life down here, but everlasting, glorious life in the realms of light above this wicked, perishing world. The most important question is, “Where am I going?”
Discipline (v.25, 27). The words “temperate” (v.25, self-control) and “keep under” (v.27, buffet or discipline by hardship) are words that emphasize discipline. Paul did not want his body to lord it over his being. He was a preacher and participant. Therefore, he exercised discipline in all areas. Having done so, he will be greatly rewarded.
God’s plan for us is to live lives that are full of meaning and purpose. Our search for significance ends when we commit ourselves to following Jesus. The end result will be that the Father will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
