In Training!

A couple days ago as I was taking my walk through Fort Worden State
Park, I observed a football team involved in pre-season training. They were not from our local school district, but I remembered having seen them about this time last year as well. Though others at the park were vacationing or picnicking, that was not their purpose for being there. They were away from home and staying at a state park, but were expected to put other things out of their mind and be serious about what they were doing. They stretched, they listened to the instruction of their coaches, they practiced blocking and pushing and passing and running plays and all the other things that will be put to the test in the season ahead. The focus was on the need to be conditioned and trained both mentally and physically with the hope of sharing in the glory of victory.

Paul, writing to Timothy stated…
“(7) Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather TRAIN YOURSELF FOR GODLINESS; (8) for 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 4:7-8 ESV)

There is a lot of “stuff” in which we can get caught up in this world. Just as this football team was training for the game, as Christians we need to be serious about training in GODLINESS. We must be continually mindful of exercising spirituality which sometimes calls for stretching our faith. The maintaining of good spiritual health through a daily diet and practice of God’s Word is also something about which we must remain serious.

Yes, there may be other activities going on around us. There may be distractions galore. Nevertheless, when we are in TRAINING we must keep the goal in mind. Let us keep on training in GODLINESS so that we can have the hope of sharing in the glory of the victory God will provide.

Have a great day COACHED BY GOD!
Carl

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