Why is training important?

It's been a while since I've ran outside. As a matter of fact, the last time I was in training was last October after I completed the Indianapolis Marathon. I probably ran for a total of two weeks since October until now. I needed a break from running. I continued to exercise to maintain my cardiovascular fitness by other forms of training. This past week I started running again and my body responded with muscle aches and pains. As strange as it sounds, it was an awesome feeling. You know, when we do the same exercises over and over, our bodies get used to it and eventually plateaus. If we're constantly stimulating our bodies with various types of training, we get results. I don't know about you, but I feel so good when I get better and stronger with my fitness levels. I feel like I can accomplish more and push my body to further limits. Maybe that's why I get a rush from running in marathons because of the sense of accomplishment I achieve when I complete 26.2 miles of running. What's even better is when my results shows improvements!

Winning a race requires purpose and discipline and the Apostle Paul makes that comparison of physical training to spiritual training. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, the Apostle Paul explains, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

The Christian life takes hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation. As essential it is to train physically in various forms of cardiovascular and weight training exercises specifically geared toward certain sports; it is just as essential to train diligently in our spiritual lives. We must discipline ourselves with prayer, Bible study, and worship on a daily basis. Without those disciplines, our daily vigor and stamina diminishes. We should not just jog a couple of laps, we need to train diligently! As Christians, when we receive Jesus Christ in our lives, we have set ourselves up for a goal...and that goal is to win the prize that God has to offer us. It's good to have a goal because without a goal the disciplines that we undergo seem like self-punishment. With the goal and desire of pleasing God, we will do whatever it takes to grow closer to Him. If someone has told you that a Christian life is supposed to be easy, they are wrong! Being a Christian requires hard work, discipline, and sacrifice! You will face hard times. You will face persecution in some form. You will face temptations. You will experience pain. You will experience discomfort. I'm not going to lie to you...a true Christian life is grueling and you will get sweaty. It will all be worth it in the end because of God's promises.

Examine your own life right now. Are you developing your spiritual muscles? 1 Timothy 4:7 says, "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly." Do you see your own life being transformed? Do you see the grace of God in your life? Do you see bondages being set free? In my own personal life, I am amazed the work God has done in my life because I chose to discipline myself spiritually. I've chose to be obedient to the challenges God has given me. The reason why I find myself in difficult and challenging situations is because I'm responding to God's calling in my life. There are days that seem impossible, yet I am able to get through it because God says he'll give me the strength. I know that God has put me at certain places at certain times because he is developing my character.

When I watch athletes achieve new levels of fitness and performances, I am amazed and find myself asking, "What's next?" I find it interesting to see athletes achieve new records and that goes to show us that we are physically able to get better. We can push our bodies to further limits. The same goes with our spiritual lives as well. We can never reach a limit. We must always strive to get better, stronger, and more ike Christ. Don't just stop today. Keep on going. Keep on moving. Keep on running. Keep on striving! And most important of all, keep on keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ!