Train to Win
“Have nothing to do godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come ” (NIV) 1Tim. 4:7-8
Sports have become the most attractive and expensive ventures in the world. Sponsors and supporters are willing to pay so much to keep the sport moving to a higher level. Whatever you see during match days are the results of so many days and months of tedious training for the event.
Every sports personality enters a game to compete and win. It all starts with a decision on what you want to achieve. You either keep to your comfort zone or train in the uncomfortable zone to win a crown. Training is inseparable from sports life. Training demands discipline and dedication which many try to avoid in their lives. Training should be done regularly and consistently like Christianity.
Sports entails competing against individuals or a group of opponents. Christian life involves individual and group struggles. If you are defeated as an individual Christian, it also affects the Church as a group. There is no draw in the spiritual warfare we are engaged in as Christians, you either win or lose. Our mentality should be to do whatever possible to win, for we are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37).
Training is never easy in every sport so is the Christian life. It takes the most determined and dedicated persons to keep going. Abstain from all forms of evil which will weaken your training (1Thess. 5:22). We must deny ourselves of a lot of worldly pleasures to keep our form for success just as the athlete goes through a controlled diet, pleasure and lifestyle to win.
On the final day of the sports, athletes play according to rules to win. Life like a game has rules (in the Bible); know them, train and practice them. Know your opponents and strategize appropriately. We are in great spiritual battle (Eph. 6:12). Know the terrain where you are competing. We have a great coach (God) who has never lost a game, we are called to be winners. You can win the race of life with constant training and directions from God.