Shadowboxing

1 Corinthians 9:26

So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

The man’s grunts can be heard all across the gym. You can hear his feet skipping with a rhythm all their own. You can hear the punches as they snap at the ends of his arms. Sweat flies.

But nobody is hurt. Nobody has won anything; nothing has been gained or lost.

The man isn’t boxing an opponent, he is training. It’s called shadowboxing, and it has its uses. There is one problem with shadowboxing, though: it’s not real fighting. In shadowboxing you never face a more gifted opponent, you never take shots that scramble your senses for a second.

Paul said, I’m not shadowboxing here; I have purpose, I am fighting for the championship. We should be, too.

So many Christians are just shadowboxing their Christian lives. They go to church, carry their Bible, pay their tithe, and go home. Where is the opponent? Where are they fighting the good fight? You Don’t win by shadowboxing at church, you win by taking the fight outside, into the real world. If your Christianity is lived out solely among Christians in church where it is easy to be spiritual, you are just shadowboxing. Put in some gloves and get out in the real world, where sinners need you, can ridicule you, and disregard you. Sure, you may take some shots, but you will be a champion in God’s kingdom!

Today’s Readings: Psalm 122; 1 Corinthians 9-11

For more posts, or to receive these daily via email, go to jerrygodsey.substack.com or jerrygodsey.com