At the age of eleven my physical profile was short, weak, and chubby.

I remember clearly the day the sports master of the Rainbow Street Primary School (Sydney) approached me in the playground and asked if I would like to play on the school’s rugby football team! I stood in shock for a while before responding in amazement with “yes, Yes… YES!” He had observed my ability and courage at tackling monster-sized, mobile ball carriers in a casual game of football on a grassed area at recess.

Not owning a scrap of sporting attire did not stop me from taking to the field the following Saturday. Boots, socks, and shorts were gladly loaned. Although in my first game I was quite ignorant as to what was expected of me, I quickly adapted to the aim and rules of Rugby.

Subsequent years of involvement in the game greatly impacted my life. My mind, body, and emotions received a super boost. Socially, my popularity skyrocketed, and acceptance by my peers ranked me as a favoured friend.

Skill at sport is one thing, and physical condition is another–they rely equally on each other. I had oodles of natural skill to excel at Rugby, but the condition of my physical body needed a lot of work.

Fortunately, self-discipline was one of my personal strengths. Whenever the coach asked for ‘so much’ from me at training, I gladly gave more! It was this strong determination that constantly pushed my body beyond its immediate best to the next level of fitness. I believe it was this strong self-discipline of mind and body that advantaged me for selection on two occasions where I represented my city and state.

Training of the mind and body is something that is worth encouraging every person to work hard at developing, as it’s an essential key to enjoying the best of health and fitness.

The apostle Paul was like a father-mentor-coach to his ‘son in the faith,’ Timothy. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, “… train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (4:7b-8).

Friends, Paul did not counsel Timothy to go here or there for someone else to train him. He said “… train yourself...” The training of your mind and body is YOUR responsibility… not your parents, teachers, or any other specialist. Your life is your responsibility… to either fly, float, or flounder.

I’m not suggesting that good, reputable coach models for the development of our lives is not important… they are! I am stressing that the responsibility for the development of your life is yours… no one else’s!

First and Second Timothy are loaded with sound coaching advice from Paul. He said to Timothy, “Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you (4:14-16).

Friends, I didn’t know it at the time, but as I gave my best at training sessions to strengthen my mind and body, other team members were inspired to follow my example. Whether you are aware of it or not, you are an example that someone has chosen to resemble or ridicule. Paul said to Timothy, ”Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity” (1 Tim. 4b:12).

Many Christians today are not making a good-enough effort to investigate the Scriptures. Of those who attend worship services, most are there to be spoon fed the ‘house special of the day.’ Consequently, many ‘so called’ believers are spiritually weak and overweight with worldly flab (sin). They are careless about what they say and how they live. To them, love is just a superficial, empty word that promises goodness but fails to deliver…  and, their faith is largely founded on ignorance, wrong feelings, and self-ability.

Friends, no person can just cruise their way to a satisfying life here and now, and into heaven later. With deliberate determination, we must learn, train and practice our faith. Nothing is more demanding and challenging than practising the Christian faith. And to that end, you will not get far without determined, self-disciplined training! Remember what Paul said…

”… train yourself to be godly.” “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you (1 Tim. 4:7b, 16).

Bill
DOW welcomes Gordon Simmul to our team of Guest Authors!