Real Hope: Spiritual DisciplinesSample

Spiritual Training

In 2021, we watched the Tokyo Olympics. In 2022, we watched the Winter Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. We saw thousands of athletes trying their best in their competitions. They all trained to do their best and to represent and bring honour to their nation. Their supreme fitness and skills did not come about by accident. They spent many years working on every part of themselves and their skills to extract that little bit more.

As Christians, we require discipline as we train and prepare to be match fit. This training includes reading the Bible, prayer, fellowship, confession and worship. With God’s grace we can be fit and ready to go – to represent Him every day as people who know and love Jesus.

The crown of life is already available to those who know Jesus. Our lives are not to be slack and aimless because we know Jesus, they are to be lives of purpose, service and readiness, being ready to give a response to the hope we have. We train because we love and follow Jesus and want to do our very best for Him.

Written by DAVID BARKER