Getting better at something takes practice. Even natural talent requires refining and improving skills.
Whether it be baking an exquisite dessert, hitting a personal best, becoming an expert on a topic, or managing well a group of people, the accomplishment comes by effort.
When you really want the success, you determine to work toward it even when it’s not easy or convenient.
When we engage in physical training, we know it takes mental and physical effort. Mind over matter comes into play when the muscles hurt so badly or the mental block makes it so hard to push harder.
What are you training to do?
Fellow believer, we are to be in spiritual training – training for godliness.
“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” (1 Timothy 4:8 ESV). The word godliness is a derivative of the Greek word eusebeia – coming from eu meaning well and sehbo meaning to revere. In the New Testament, it conveys reverence and devotion to God, from which obedience should follow.
Godliness necessitates focus on Jesus Christ, not self-focus.
It takes effort to abide in Christ and live out our faith. Through surrender to God and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we strive to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” and “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1b NIV).
As physical training can include strength, agility, endurance, and nutrition, so spiritual training can encompass such markers.
- We can strengthen our faith as we grow in the knowledge of God. (2 Peter 1:2-11)
- We can become more agile by quickening our obedience to God’s will in the small things and the big things. (James 1:22-25)
- We can increase endurance as we remain firm in our faith, taking a stand against the devil’s schemes. (1 Timothy 6:11-16)
- We can properly feed our spirit on the Bread of Life and the Living Water. (John 6:32-33, John 4:13-14)
How are you doing as you train for godliness?
It helps to have a training partner, someone who shares this goal. Together you can keep each other accountable, support each other when the going gets tough, encourage each other in the blessings, and pray for each other through it all.
Let the training begin!
Working through a Heart Training book with a friend, mentor, or small group will keep you motivated!