As an athlete a lot of what I have learned in sports is transferable to my relationship with Christ. I am amazed at how similar athletics and one's spiritual life travel together. One could talk about the character qualities of a successful athlete-discipline, hard work, perseverance, diligence, dedication, team work and have no problems of talking about those same qualities in regards to one's walk with Jesus. Purely from a training perspective, the necessary to maintain one's physical prowess as an athlete is essential-running, lifting, sport specific training (i.e. tactics, technical etc.). Just as one would "train" spiritually with the disciplines of prayer, Scripture study, fasting, meditations, etc. for followers of Christ is essential to maintain a strong relationship with Jesus. But how much greater is our spiritual training necessary for eternal impact? Our lives are changed and those around us in the here and now as well as in the age to come. Paul encourages Timothy in his first letter with these words, "...train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
What type of disciplines have you learned that impact both your physical and spiritual training? How has sports influenced you and your walk with Christ?
1 Timothy 4:6-10
1 comment:
Thanks for this reminder John. I fasted today with my sister-in-law about some specific things we want to hear from God about regarding our life goals. I talked my extended family into doing the Life Goals exercise as well.
The day was a struggle only at the point where generous people kept bringing me treats; cookies and bagels to be exact. I accepted the offer but didn't eat in front of them and when they left, I quickly tossed it on someone else's desk.
Spiritual discipline is a good thing. It's also been an area of guilt for me, though. Spiritual Discipline hinges on spiritual pride for me. I have to be careful about this and rather choose to pursue God IN these things and not the things themselves.
I would also add spending time with the marginalized as a means of disciplining your spirit. When we give attention to loving the least then we are developing the heart of God with each bottle of water, each visitation, each item of clothing, etc.
As we do to the least of these then we do also to the king...Matt 25:31
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