"Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable (1 Corinthians 9:25)."
Have you ever seen an athlete who is about to compete in a running event, in the Olympic Games? Have you ever seen that athlete proceed to the starting point unfocused or unprepared? No, at one glance you can see the evidence of his countless hours of determined practice and training. His body looks strong and lean, his muscles well toned and developed. He isn't overweight, nor is he slumped over a nearby railing for support. He is dressed in his sleek, streamlined running clothes, not baggy, heavy gear that would weigh him down or hinder his optimal performance. It wouldn't make sense to run in heavy clothing, or to eat unhealthy, or fail to put in the hours of extensive, disciplined training, if he intended to be successful in his race.
Just the same, Paul explains that to successfully run our race, as born again, ambassadors of Christ - who carry the truth of the gospel, we must practice the same determined focus and devotion to the things of God, as an athlete preparing to win his race. When we purposefully give our time and efforts in the Word and fellowship with the Holy Spirit, constantly practicing to hear His voice and follow His lead, we will be well trained and skilled to actively walk in the will of God. If you and I decide to keep our focus on living in harmony with Spirit of God, His power that is at work within us, will be activated and enable us to do far over and above what we could have ever prayed, thought or hoped for, in the kingdom of God. What are we waiting for? Let's start our training today, there's a race for us to win!
Have you ever seen an athlete who is about to compete in a running event, in the Olympic Games? Have you ever seen that athlete proceed to the starting point unfocused or unprepared? No, at one glance you can see the evidence of his countless hours of determined practice and training. His body looks strong and lean, his muscles well toned and developed. He isn't overweight, nor is he slumped over a nearby railing for support. He is dressed in his sleek, streamlined running clothes, not baggy, heavy gear that would weigh him down or hinder his optimal performance. It wouldn't make sense to run in heavy clothing, or to eat unhealthy, or fail to put in the hours of extensive, disciplined training, if he intended to be successful in his race.
Just the same, Paul explains that to successfully run our race, as born again, ambassadors of Christ - who carry the truth of the gospel, we must practice the same determined focus and devotion to the things of God, as an athlete preparing to win his race. When we purposefully give our time and efforts in the Word and fellowship with the Holy Spirit, constantly practicing to hear His voice and follow His lead, we will be well trained and skilled to actively walk in the will of God. If you and I decide to keep our focus on living in harmony with Spirit of God, His power that is at work within us, will be activated and enable us to do far over and above what we could have ever prayed, thought or hoped for, in the kingdom of God. What are we waiting for? Let's start our training today, there's a race for us to win!