Training Days

1st Timothy 4 reminds of being diligent to be involved in spiritual training:
(7b) train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Another translation says that "godliness is profitable for all things", and it's true - if our spiritual life is correct, then there are implications in other areas - not that the most mature Christian will be the best competitor, but in areas of character, respect, good decision-making, and a reputation for excellence - those important intangibles - we can see the life of Christ flow.

In 1st Corinthians 9, Paul writes about the importance of training in the Christian life:
24 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. 25 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.

On Friday's MH program, Terry Veazey, an evangelist based in Montgomery who travels the world sharing the gospel of Christ, opened up our conversation saying that he was in training for the Olympics - in Lanett, Alabama!    You see, he will be part of a team that will be witnessing in London during the Games this year...and spiritual training is very important - even though he's preached across the globe, he still sees the need to prepare, to become even more equipped to win souls for Jesus.

We are called by God to be in a training process - once we figure we've arrived spiritually, we become vulnerable to moving backward in our spiritual life.   And, if we have a casual approach to spiritual growth, we will not become the Christian and the witness that He desires for us to become.

The apostle Paul drew the parallel between physical training and spiritual training.   The athlete understands the importance of being disciplined, of practicing, of applying his or her skills - and talents - to becoming fit for the competition and excelling in it. 

I think Donald Driver of the Green Bay Pavkers can testify to the importance of training - not only is he at the top of his game in the NFL, but he was crowned the winner of "Dancing With the Stars" last night.  Athletes seem to do well in that show, because I believe they are adequately prepared for the physical, as well as the mental aspects of the competition - control over the body, precision, long practices, and self-control are just some of the characteristics that can be important.   Look at the number of athletes who have won - Hines Ward, Shawn Johnson, Kristi Yamaguchi, Helio Castroneves, Apolo Ohno, and Emmitt Smith.

Well-trained athletes have the competitive edge; and well-trained Christians have an edge, too - those who not only hear God's word but "do" it - applying it to a variety of areas in their lives.   In a world where temptation is prevalent and spiritual complacency seems to rule, if we are willing to practice our faith and diligently learn and apply His principles, then we can have a victorious life.   Faith Radio can, in a sense, be a spiritual trainer for you, with strong Biblical teaching from a world-class lineup of speakers, and songs that can draw us into experiencing God's presence through worship...but we have do more than listen - we must take time to practice and develop our spiritual skills, if you will, so that we can be a well-trained competitor - strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.