The Work of Preparation

Most everyone knows that Olympic athletes don’t just show up at an event, participate, stand on the podium, and get a metal hung around their neck. To receive a metal takes much more than that. Hours, days, weeks, months, and years go into preparation and training.  Each athlete puts himself through a rigorous training regimen, all with the ultimate goal of Olympic gold.  Sometimes I’m afraid people approach living the Christian life without much thought of spiritual preparation or training. The Bible says, “Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do.  So exercise yourself spiritually, and practice being a better Christian because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too” (1 Timothy 4:8, LB).  Why not take time now to prepare and train yourself spiritually so you can be all you need to be for the cause of Christ?