Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

I’ve watched a lot of football over the last couple of weeks… A LOT. I watched as the NFL season drew to a close and I watched much of the Wild Card round of the playoffs. I watched many college bowl games, including the exciting College Football Championship in which Alabama won College Football’s National Championship.

Players and coaches spent many dedicated hours training, preparing, and practicing to win these games. They overcame injury (Ben Roethlisberger), extreme weather conditions (Seattle Seahawks), and scoring deficits (Alabama) to prevail in these contests. I also watched some players and coaches deploy questionable strategy and sportsmanship in an attempt to prevail. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly this year. All in the name of winning “the prize.” I’ve heard and watched fans cheer for their team and experience a plethora of emotions depending on the outcome of their game of interest.

What would happen if we applied the same effort to our spiritual journey? The verse above reminds us of two important truths: we need to compete for the right prize, and we need to compete for that prize in the right way. Also, what if we cheered and encouraged fellow believers in their life battles with the same enthusiasm we afford our favorite sports team?

To be successful in our spiritual journey we first need to make sure we are pursuing the right prize; not a perishable trophy but an eternal one. We need to value the approval of the Righteous Judge (Jesus) more than accolades of our culture. We need to train hard at the things that matter, giving as much – or more – effort to spiritual disciplines as championship contenders give to their athletic training. Just as athletes are expected to compete according to the rules, so also we will be most successful when we follow the guidelines God has given us in the Bible.

What are some ways you can apply the same passion that sports fans demonstrate for their team of choice to your Spiritual Walk?

Just as athlete tirelessly work through drills and exercises to make them stronger and better?  what Spiritual Disciplines do you employ to help you grow stronger in your faith?

Are you competing in the “game of life” according to the rules God has given us in His word?

Who are you cheering on and encouraging in their spiritual journey today?

 

For more information on Spiritual Disciplines I recommend http://biblicalspirituality.org