Category: What do you think?

Running the Race Without Being Disqualified

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JEFF TURNER

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul explains that he disciplines his body and keeps it under control so he will not be disqualified. He uses an image from athletics, where a competitor who fails to meet the training standards cannot even enter the race.

Paul’s concern was not about losing salvation, but about losing his credibility and effectiveness in ministry. He did not want to preach the gospel to others while failing to live in a way that honours Christ. Like an athlete who sacrifices comforts to prepare for competition, Paul was willing to give up anything that could harm his service for the Lord.

His goal was to remain faithful and free from sin or distraction that could limit his usefulness. The Christian life is a race toward the goal of God’s heavenly calling, and it requires focus, discipline, and perseverance.

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

Letting Go of Grudges to Find Inner Peace

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FLOYD ROGERS

Even if others treat us poorly or choose not to live peacefully with us, we are still responsible for our own actions. No situation makes it right to hold onto bitterness. Holding an unforgiving attitude can never be defended, no matter what has happened.

When we take a close look at our own lives, we see how much Christ has already forgiven us. Our past includes times when we’ve ignored or disobeyed God, yet He continues to offer grace. Remembering this helps us to forgive others, even if we struggle to like them or decide not to continue the relationship.

Forgiveness does not mean agreeing with wrong behaviour or pretending nothing happened. But if we want true peace inside, we must release the weight of resentment.

Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

God’s Truth When Our Heart Condemns Us

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AMY TURNER

In 1 John 3:20, we are told that “God is greater than our heart and knows all things.” At first, it may seem unusual that such a reminder is needed, since no one would claim their own heart is stronger than God. Yet the words are written for a reason, and they bring comfort.

Many followers of Christ know what it is like to lose peace and joy because of failure. Sin often leaves us anxious and fearful, much like Paul’s struggle in Romans 7, where he confessed that he could not always do what he desired and often did what he did not want to do. This inner conflict can lead believers into self-condemnation, where they constantly dwell on their shortcomings.

It is right to feel sorrow over sin. It should bring us to repentance. But even in those moments when we feel the weight of guilt, God sees beyond the weakness of our heart. He knows all things, and He is greater than our feelings of failure. He is greater than our heart.

Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

The Silence of Jesus Before His Accusers

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JEFF TURNER

In the gospels, Jesus often spoke with those who opposed him, answering questions and even warning them. Yet in Matthew 27:12, as he faced false accusations before the cross, he chose not to respond. This silence astonished Pilate, who had judged many prisoners. And the prisoners were most eager to protest their innocence or plead for mercy.

Jesus, however, remained calm and peaceful, offering no defence. His innocence was clear and needed no argument. Pilate could see that the charges did not match the man before him. This moment fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would be “like a lamb led to the slaughter” and would not open his mouth (Isaiah 53:7).

Pilate knew Jesus had done no wrong and was disturbed by the deceit of the religious leaders. Yet, fearing for his own position with Rome after past mistakes with Jewish customs, he did not act with justice. Jesus entrusted himself to God who judges righteously, even in the face of false accusations.

and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;

1 Peter 2:23

Finding True Peace Through Trust in God

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FLOYD ROGERS

When someone receives salvation, they are made right with God, and from that point on, they can begin to feel a deep peace within. This peace is not just the absence of conflict. It is a calmness that settles in the heart, no matter the circumstances.

The Apostle Paul spoke about this kind of peace while he was in prison. Despite being locked up and chained to a Roman guard, he said he felt a peace that he could not fully explain. It was more than just a feeling. It went beyond his ability to understand. Even in such harsh conditions, he had learned to be content. The peace he described was steady, deeply satisfying, and not dependent on external situations.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7