1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Run like you’re trying to win.
That means competing according to the rules and running as fast as you can.
Box like you’re trying to win.
That means fighting according to the rules and hitting as hard as you can.
"The unforgivable crime is soft hitting. Do not hit at all if it can be avoided; but never hit softly." — Theodore Roosevelt
A soft hit is a lack of assiduity incarnate.
If you know why you are doing something, then do it with all your might. If you don't know why you're doing it, don't do it at all.
Soft hitting has enough conviction to do something, but not enough to do it well or with consequence. If you believe something seriously, act in accordance with assiduity. If something is not to be taken seriously, don't get sucked into acting half-heartedly. Either hit as hard as you can or don't hit, but don’t give in to the sin of soft hitting.
This reminds me of a quote that has stuck with me from the movie, Luther (2003), "If you decide to fight, you also have to decide to win."
This might require a punchier approach than you’re used to, but in fairness, if you're in a punching match, that's kind of the point.
Don't hit at all if it is honorably possible to avoid hitting; but never hit soft.
The Christian life is like a spear, it is best expressed when it gets to the point.
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