"Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next." 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT)
Can you imagine how our lives and the lives of people around us would be transformed if we exercised spiritually? We place so much emphasis on our physical appearance, that our spiritual side is left neglected. Just as we need to exercise our bodies to keep them fit, we must also train to become spiritually fit. How do we do this you ask? Grow in the knowledge of God. 2 Peter 1:2-11 tells us how to know God better.
"As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life." 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT) So, we can review the basics while learning more about Him. We are to pay attention to the Scriptures to give us reminders of our basic faith, just as a coach reviews basics with their teams, and an athlete executes fundamentals. Just as an athlete needs exercise and practice so as not to lose their abilities, we as Christians also need spiritual exercise and "practice." We are to use our spiritual gifts and not neglect them (1 Timothy 4:14) so that our talents will improve, and bring glory to God's kingdom. He gave us all talents of one sort or another, and we are to use them well. (Romans 12:6-8).
Strive to know Him more to become like Him. We can change the world by starting with ourselves. If we change the way we think, then we will know what God wants us to do, for His will is perfect. I think the following verse is so important to apply in today's world.
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is." Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Part III concludes my Training for the Race entries.
No comments:
Post a Comment