Have you ever committed to complete a workout program, such as Insanity or P90X? Have you trained for a race of some kind? Both require a high level of dedication and commitment. Not only do you have to commit to do certain things, such as wake up extra early or set aside chunks of your day, but you have to be willing to abstain from certain things. Your body requires more rest so your muscles can repair, so you might have to give up late night television or going out late with friends and family. You may have to turn down certain engagements because they interfere with your commitment to train. You may also have to pass on certain food or beverage choices, because they would sabotage all of your hard work. While the efforts may appear to be extreme to some people, the benefits outweigh the sacrifice. Your body will display the external benefits of your commitment, but you also gain internal benefits such as a stronger heart and increased strength.
1 Timothy 4:7a-8 says “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.” We all understand we won’t have a physically fit body without training, dedication and sacrifice; however, many of us want godliness without the work. It isn’t possible. Just like you have to make choices to support your physical training so you will succeed, you have to do the same in your spiritual quest. There may be things, practices, or people you no longer expose yourself to in order to remain focused on your goal.
We must recognize we reap what we sow spiritually also [Hosea 10:12]. If we are willing to meet with our Trainer daily and give Him the commitment and dedication and athlete gives to their sport, we will reap a life of godliness. It won’t come easily, but then again anything worth having is worth working for, isn’t it? There’s no time like the present to get started. Let’s build some spiritual muscle!