Grow Beyond Your Walls

1st Corinthians 9:25-27
When confronted with walls of opposition, two types of people emerge, those who beat the walls in order to reduce its ability to oppose them, and those who beat their bodies in order to grow beyond the opposition. One man tries to change the object while the other man changes himself; one man looks outward for his solution while the other man looks within. In the end, only one man grows, and only one man is prepared for the future walls. Nothing differs in our spiritual walk with God. Paul said, "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 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 (1st Corinthians 9:25-27)." Paul was not referring to physical training, rather spiritual; it was not his flesh being put into submission, it was his sinful nature. As a result, He never had to beat down walls, for Paul believed in conquering the opposition through spiritual growth. He understood instinctively that the end never justifies the means. In other words, getting past our walls is never more important than how we get past our walls. If through our trials we are not drawn closer to Christ, if we have not grown spiritually, if we have not tested and strengthened our faith, then we are not prepared to conquer and grow beyond our future trials; our fight is like a man beating the air. Now, in life, everyone hits an obstacle, but not everyone triumphs over it; every one encounters a test, but not every one grows from it. No matter whom you are, weak or strong, rich or poor, the true difference between those who grow beyond and those who just get by is found in each individual's ability to draw from the power of God within them. This was the conviction of the Apostle John when he wrote, "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1st John 4:4, KJV)," and it is the reason that Paul proclaimed proudly, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)." Therefore, the solution to life's most challenging dilemmas is not outside waiting to be found, rather, it is inside waiting to be used. Now, go and prevail over the barriers that separate you from victory. Not like a fighter beating the air, but like Paul, who made his body a slave (1st Corinthians 9:27). He saw himself as being more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). Not because of whom he was, but because of whom Christ was within him. Finally, never again endeavor to beat down the walls of opposition, as if you could do anything apart from Christ (John 15:5). Rather, in everything you do, draw from the strength of God within, and grow beyond your walls. [mp]

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Michael D'Urbano
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