TEMPERANCE IN THE 2026 RACE OF FAITH.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 KJV
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. [25] And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

To help you stay “temperate in all things” and keep your focus on the finish line, here is a weekly checklist. This is designed to help you audit your spiritual “fitness” and ensure you are running according to the scriptures.
🏁 The Weekly Runner’s Audit
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

1. Weight Management (Hebrews 12:1)
   Identify anything that slowed you down this week.

• [ ] The “Weight” Check: Did I spend too much time on things that aren’t necessarily “sin” but aren’t helping me grow (social media, idle talk, etc.)?
• [ ] The “Besetting Sin” Check: Did I confess and turn away from the specific habits that usually trip me up?

1. Lawful Striving (2 Timothy 2:5)
   Ensure you are running by the Book.

• [ ] The “Rulebook” Study: Did I spend time in the Word this week to make sure I am following God’s “rules” for the race?
• [ ] Integrity Check: Did I try to take any shortcuts in my character or work that wouldn’t please the Judge?

1. Temperance & Subjection (1 Corinthians 9:27)
   Bringing the body into alignment.

• [ ] Body Subjection: Did I practice self-control over my physical desires (diet, sleep, tongue, temper)?
• [ ] Spiritual Exercise: Did I prioritize “exercise unto godliness” (prayer/fasting) over mere physical or worldly activity?

1. Forward Motion (Philippians 3:13)
   Letting go of the past.

• [ ] The “Rearview Mirror” Test: Am I holding onto a grudge or a past mistake from this week?
• [ ] Pressing Toward the Mark: Did I do at least one thing this week specifically to advance the Gospel or help another “runner”?
  📈 Weekly Progress Tracker
  Use this table to reflect at the end of each week.
  | Goal | M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
  |—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|
  | Eyes on Jesus (Prayer/Focus) | | | | | | | |
  | Weight Removed (Sacrifice) | | | | | | | |
  | Lawful Running (Bible Study) | | | | | | | |
  | Soul Winning (Crown of Rejoicing) | | | | | | | |
  💡 A Word of Wisdom for the Week
  If you stumble, remember :
  Proverbs 24:16 KJV
  For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
  Winning the race isn’t about never falling; it’s about always getting back up and continuing toward the prize.