Ready:
“. . . Rather train yourself for godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” —1 Timothy 4:7-8
Set:
After winning the 2026 PGA Tour Championship, Justin Rose said, “You have to work hard.” He has won thirteen PGA championships in his golf career. To be a champion of this caliber in the PGA, you have to consistently, with intentionality and intensity, work and train hard.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, the same thing is true. Making the commitment and putting in the effort to grow as a Christian is important. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 says “train yourself” like one who undergoes strict training at a gym. As you would work out and put forth a high level of effort for your sport, the same effort is needed for training and developing for godliness. Just as you set in motion a specific plan for training in your sport, do the same planning of how you train spiritually. Let your commitment be real and your self-discipline consistent.
Make it a priority to set time every day to train with the Lord. Use the time to pray – both speaking to God and listening to Him. Include the Bible. Reading it is good but have a plan, a method, a purpose for reading specific verses, chapters and books of the Bible. Choose a few verses to memorize. It’s also extremely important to get together regularly with other believers. In addition, being in God’s presence and sitting quietly is a good practice as well.
Go:
In your sport, what is the specific hard work you need to do?
Do you have a plan for your spiritual workout? What is in your plan?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord Jesus, thank You for the athletic skills and gifts You’ve given me. Help me to honor You by giving my best effort using these abilities. I ask also for Your help as I work hard to build and grow my spiritual life with You. Give me determination to get after it and not stop. Help me find a group of others to do this hard work together. I trust in You for everything. In Jesus’ name, amen.”