Temperance in All Things

We do not serve uncertainly—as beating the air—first one direction and then another. There is a boxing illustration here. The purpose is to strike the opponent, not the air.

Paul was not a shadow boxer when it came to the Gospel—his goal was to smite the enemy. No empty punches here. What does your service to Christ amount to? Are you going to beat the air? You will if you don’t have a clear idea of your commitment and your purpose. You will be all over the place.

The body is put on the line: if you go after the opponent, he will try to hit you back. There is certain safety in shadowboxing.