2 Corinthians 4:7-11 (NKJV)

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

Our modern society is infatuated with our bodies. We exercise them, tan them, supplement them, massage them, dress them, and then cap them off with a crown of beautifully coiffed hair. For the worldly person, a fine body is something of high value, something to be shown off and used for great pleasure. Not so for the sold-out Christian. He sees his body as a frail and temporary residence which houses something of far greater value than the body itself. Yes, he maintains the house to keep it useful and sufficient for the task but what task is that? It is the battle for lost souls.

Like a good soldier, a Christian is willing to be used by his commander for any purpose he wishes. A good soldier is willing to lay down his life for his comrades. He pushes his body to the limit for the good of the kingdom. And when he comes home, battered and bruised yet victorious, he accepts with great honor the hero's welcome.

John 12:26 (NIV)

Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

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