Pressing on Toward the Goal by Training unto Godliness

I'm not a big fan of the Olympics, but my husband is. So, I *get* to watch them too, by default. I've noticed, though, that whenever the announcers talk to any of the Olympians they seem to eat, breathe, sleep, and live their particular sport. Their entire life revolves around training for the goal of winning that gold medal. They get up early each morning to train, spend time each afternoon training, and fill their bodies with all sorts of nutrients to help them perform at their very best.

This focused training is exactly the same kind of training Paul was referring to when he wrote to the Philippians. They understood the context of the Olympics, as they were already taking place even in that day. Only Paul wasn't talking about a physical "race" but a spiritual one.

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Philippians 3.12-16

As the Olympians' entire lives revolves around training for their sport, so should our lives as Christians revolve around growing spiritually. Spiritual growth needs to define our day - our focus needs to be on Christ.

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. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4.7b-10

As we train ourselves for godliness, there are a few things we need to keep in mind:

• Staying in shape requires constant training - we need to be participating in the spiritual disciplines on regular basis in order to stay in "spiritual shape".
• Our training is a long-distance training - small steps over time will help us get to the "end". We are "in it for the long haul".
• We're not going to see overnight change - training takes time and energy. We must be diligent to stay consistent in our training.
• We should, however, expect growth over time.

What spiritual disciplines are you using to train unto godliness?