All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 1 Corinthians 9:25-26
This is a big weekend, the start of the Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl. Both of these events will be competitions between well physically trained and disciplined athletes. They are at the top of whatever sport they are competing in and will be viewed by millions of people world wide.
Paul compares our spiritual walk with being an athlete in several places in Scripture. the act of accepting Jesus’ salvation may be easy. Since it is just a matter of us asking Jesus to forgive us of our sin, to cleanse us and for His Spirit to come and live in us so we can be reconciled back to our Father God. In that, we once again have a relationship with God just like Adam and Eve had before the fall. A close intimate one where they walked and talked with Him every day. It’s in the walking with Him that we need to train and discipline because the enemy is always trying to hinder that relationship and steal from us the blessed life God always intended for us.
As you watch the athletes and see how focused they are and have learned what works best for them to accomplish their purpose, let us be encouraged to do the same thing in our walk as a child of God. Although it’s always good to consider ways to grow and develop our relationship, we need to remember He sees each one of us as individuals. He has a purpose and ways of carrying it out that is unique to only us. We can only learn that by walking closely with Him on a moment by moment basis, just as each athlete has a personal trainer. So enjoy this weekend of fun and excitement, but take some time to also see the sacrifice it has taken for every athlete to compete.
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