What fitness goals do you have this new year? Athletes always have goals, whether they want bigger muscles, heavier lifts, or faster times, athletes seek something bigger.
Maybe you wouldn’t consider yourself an athlete…yet. If you’re not, could you make your goal to become one? Get in the game. Stop being a spectator. Stop talking about getting in shape and make the goal to do something about it.
And what goals do you have for your faith? When it comes to your faith, are you more like a spectator or an athlete?
Does your faith look more like basic rule-following or big risks and and big gains?
There’s a story in the Bible about a young man who Jesus challenged to a faith bigger than just basic rule following. He gave him a big goal and challenged him to a big risk that would result in great gain. But the young man couldn’t remain a spectator. He would have to get into the game.
Here’s the story:
“Someone came to Jesus with this question: ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’
‘Why ask me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.’
‘Which ones?’ the man asked.
And Jesus replied: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’
‘I’ve obeyed all these commandments,’ the young man replied. ‘What else must I do?’
Jesus told him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’
But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” (Matthew 19:16-22 NLT)
He was comfortable doing religious things, keeping the commandments, and following the rules. He was comfortable as a religious spectator.
But to actually follow Jesus was a bigger challenge than he was prepared for. So he walked away sad and unchanged.
This year, I don’t want you to walk away as a sad spectator in your fitness or your faith. Get in the game. Become an athlete.
What faith-goal do you imagine Jesus is putting before you? What seemingly impossible task is he calling you to? It’s probably not selling all your possessions, but it’s definitely going to be challenging.
Set a goal for your faith. And get in the game.
