“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.” — 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NLT)
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Many athletes use the offseason to work on their conditioning, nutrition and weight training. This enhances their cardiovascular endurance, improves eating habits and builds strength, all in preparation for the next season. In the process of working on their games, they work to reduce weaknesses and fine-tune their strengths. This process not only helps athletes eliminate rust once the next season arises, but it also helps them continue to build and grow their skills so they are better equipped for the season.
We all have weaknesses we need God to help us address, and we have also been blessed with various gifts and talents. We need to be careful not to find our identity in our abilities, but instead walk in humility, recognizing the gifts we have come from God. As the body of Christ, we cannot rest on our laurels just because we are saved. No one is perfect but Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must constantly strive for growth in our relationship with Jesus through prayer and studying the Word of God. That’s how we prepare for God’s calling.
We must remember that “this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come” (Hebrews 13:14, NLT) — in other words, Heaven. Therefore, our focus should not be on pursuing wealth and the pleasures of this world, for we risk losing our souls in the search (Mark 8:36). God wants His people to be blessed, but our goal should be following God’s purpose for our lives and, most importantly, the Great Commission.
Jesus tells us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). As we tell others the good news of the Gospel of Christ, we can’t abandon maturing in our personal walk with Him. The more we allow God to work on our weaknesses and strengths daily, the more we will grow to become like Christ.
— Travis Wilson
(Today’s devotional was submitted by the author from “Let’s Go! Weekly Devotions for Godly Competition in the Game of Life”)
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