[Run to Win] Finishing Well Sample

Training for Life

As an athlete, you train and get your body in shape to compete at the highest level possible. You also work on preparing yourself mentally for the competition, seeking the focus necessary to play your sport to the greatest level of excellence.

Did you ever think that you also need to train yourself spiritually for the most significant race you will ever participate in—the race of life?

Paul wrote to his friend and protégé Timothy to encourage him to continue working on his spiritual life. Why? In the same way that training for your sport is needed to be in shape to compete, training spiritually for life is necessary to run the race of the Christian life.

As his coach, Paul told Timothy that he could train his body all he wanted for playing a sport. But spiritual training is critical. Paul said that Timothy needed to train himself in godliness, and that Timothy should direct his discipline to develop spiritual rather than physical strength. He noted that physical self-discipline (bodily exercise) has a limited value compared to spiritual self-discipline (godliness), which results in the present and future improvements.

An athlete who never thinks about what’s next won’t be prepared for it. An injury, age, physical health, and time can all contribute to losing physical ability and end an athlete’s career.

However, an athlete who trains spiritually—in godliness—will begin to see the world from God’s perspective. That athlete can envision life after sports. The most important race is still there to be run and run well. Spiritual training allows one to continue running the race of life well even after the athletic career is over.

Lord, continue to help me see the importance of being trained spiritually to run the race of life even after my athletic life is completed. Please show me that though my athletic endeavors are necessary, there is a more important race. Thank You for running that race with me.