Do you have the discipline of an Olympic Athlete?
As I watched some of the 2010 Olympic games and the presentation of medals, the thought occurred to me that Champions for Jesus and Olympic Athletes have similar traits.
What are your thoughts?
There are several Bible verses that compare the race one runs in life with an athletic race.
Hebrews 12:1 - 2 "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."
The word 'throw' means to propel something through the air with a swift arm motion; and to cause something to fall off.
The word 'run' denotes movement, taking action, and when one runs, it is usually in a forward motion.
The definition of the word 'persevere' is to persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea, or task in the face of opposition or discouragement." In other words, don't give up!
Be focused, determined and concentrate on achieving your goal.
Christians seek God first and pray for His guidance. The Holy Spirit will show you if there is something that hinders your walk (your life) with the Lord.
(1 Kings 22:5)
Athletes have coaches and trainers who advise them of their strengths and weaknesses. They advise the athlete of things they need to do or stop doing in order to be successful in their sport. The Holy Spirit does the same thing for Christians.
Follow these Steps: Be A Champion For Jesus and Win In Life:
1. Follow God's Rules (The Ten Commandments) (Exodus 20: 2 - 17)
Athletes must know the Rules of the Sport they play
2. Train and prepare to be strong, healthy, mentally alert in your spirit, soul and body. Daily surrender your spirit, soul (mind, will and emotions) and body to the Lord.
Nourish the spirit of God within you by praying and reading the Bible daily. Listen to Christian/Iinspirational music.
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good pleasing and perfect will."
Say daily, "Let this mind be in me that was in Christ Jesus."
1 Corinthians 6:20 - "...Honor God with your body."
3. Separate yourself from people, places and things that distract you from your pursuit of God's will and excellence in your life. 2 Corinthians 2:17 - "Therefore come out from them and be separate."
4. Daily focus on winning and implement God's strategy in your life.
Write the vision and make it plain and follow it daily. (Habakkuk 2:1)
5. Live a Christian Life.
6. Daily press toward your goal.
Philippians 3:12 - "Press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of you." The word 'press' means to advance or carry on energetically and with a sense of urgency. One should make haste to maximize their God-given gifts, spiritual and physical.
7. Live a disciplined life. One definition of the word 'discipline' is training that is expected to produce a specific type or pattern of behavior." God desires that you live a life of obedience, faith and order. Hebrews 12:6 - "The Lord disciplines those he loves."
8. Philippians 3:14 - "Forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. Press on with intense concentrations so as to not fall short of your goal.
9. Be led by the Holy Spirit . Pray and seek God's guidance in every decision.
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
10. Speak, Proclaim and Decree Positive words and affirmation over yourself
Philippians 4:13 - "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
11. Have Christ-Like Character. Be a 'Good Sport"
God values people that act in love,that have and unwavering faith in Him.
and have patience, kindness, unselfishness, and are honest.
1 Corinthians 9:26 - "Do not run like a man running aimlessly."
1 Corinthians 9:24 - "Run in such a way as to get a prize. Exercise self-control, self-denial and love in our relationship with others."
Psalms 19:5 - "Run like a champion rejoicing to run his course."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment