AthleteWord: Champions are not content with simply being in the gym. They seek to train with a purpose.
READ: Philippians 3:12-14
REFLECT: What’s the difference between an athlete and a competitor? An athlete has stepped into the gym. They are no longer standing on the sidelines as a spectator. They have gotten into the struggle of sport. They see life through the lens of an athlete, and it changes everything! But, what happens when an athlete is given a specific objective? They have found purpose for their training.
Athletes are off the sidelines and in the gym, but competitors train for the arena. In the sport of fitness, this transition occurs when athletes plan their training for competition. New life has produced new purpose, and competitors seek improved performance.
RESPOND:
1. Describe your experience when you transitioned from athlete to competitor in the sport of fitness, or in another arena of life.
2. How could this transition be similar to a follower of Christ growing in faith?
Christ has not called His followers to experience new life and stay the same. He desires His followers to grow, so they can share this new life with the world around them. Growing does not happen by accident. Just like our physical training, our faith grows through following an intentional plan. This is living life as a competitor.
“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.” – 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Competing for the Prize
