Training

No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:27 NIV

My youngest son and I just started taking boxing lessons. I signed us up for what’s called the “buddy plan.” That means we have a trainer and do the workout together. I love it and hate it all at the same time. I’m fifty-two years old, and my son Jackson is sixteen. Someone asked me the other day if I’m going to be fighting anyone, and I responded that so far, just the workout itself is kicking my butt. I wanted to do this to share an experience with my son and to get in shape. I want Jack to be formidable. It’s important for a man to know he can defend himself and defend those he cares about. This is going to require a lot of discipline and training.

The Christian life requires a lot of training, too. For some reason, we think it’s supposed to come easily, but frankly, living for Jesus is much more difficult than boxing. The apostle Paul says in our verse for today that he disciplines his body like an athlete to follow Jesus. I don’t know about you, but my body wants to do things that Jesus doesn’t want me to do. This is true in the realm of food, sex, and all-around laziness. If we’re really going to follow Jesus, our bodies are involved, and this requires discipline. When you read the Bible, read Bible plans like this, go to church, or pray, you’re training. When you say no to sin, you are disciplining your mind and body and getting spiritually stronger.

Today I will remember:

• Following Jesus requires training.
• When I read the Bible, read Bible plans like this, go to church, or pray, I’m training in trusting Jesus.

Jesus, I choose to do a workout each day in godliness. Help me to discipline my mind and body to follow You. Help me to be intentional and consistent.