Train to Win

“Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Tim. 2:5, NASB).

Almost every day that I go to the gym I see Truck. Truck has a strenuous workout routine every day. Truck is an athlete, a body builder that takes his sport seriously. You can see the serious look on his face as the sweat drips down his face and permeates his clothes. His clothes fit nicely showing his trim and muscular physique. On this day Truck has on a pair of pants with the words “TRAIN TO WIN” inscribed. This catches my attention because I know that there are times that I go to the gym, and I settle for a less workout that is less intense. I think to myself, does this inscription really mean what I think that it is saying, or is this just a matter of fashion.

The next day I ask Truck to give me three words that captures the idea of the inscription, “train to win.” He gives the words, “believe,” “consistency,” and “discipline.” I ask him if this means having goals and adopting a lifestyle. He says that both of these are a part of competing. All alone I have been thinking about Apostle Paul’s frequent use of athletics to describe some idea or principle that he wishes to get across to his audience. I do not linger. I know that it is important that Truck continues with his workout. I am thinking, are these concepts in the bible? How do these words apply to Christian life and ministry? Let us look at these words starting with the word “goal.”

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he writes to his protégé to give him instruction on how to conduct himself as he serves in a difficult situation. He knows that Timothy needs encouragement if he is to remain faithful to the task at hand. Apparently there are false teachers in the church that are teaching strange doctrines that include human wisdom and philosophies that are contrary to the message of the gospel (1 Tim. 1:3-4). Paul reminds Timothy of the goals of his ministry as one who preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ. He says, “The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (v. 5). If Timothy remembers the goal, he will have reason to do what is necessary to carry out the duties of his ministry. How often do we request or require a person under our supervision to perform a task without sharing with them the goal that is to be reached?

The second word that I want to address is “believe.” When there is a goal to be reached what do I believe? Do I believe in the goal? Do I believe that I can accomplish my goals? Paul’s words of encouragement demonstrate that he believes that Timothy is capable of doing the job. He seeks to enhance Timothy’s belief in himself. He says, “This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith” (vv. 18-19). Paul does not want Timothy to stop believing that he is called of God to do ministry. This brings us to the second word, consistency, which Truck gives to me.

Suppose Truck does not have a goal, and what if he does not believe that he can win at his next show that is to be held in Pittsburg? How hard do you think that he will train? What is the likelihood that he will have consistency in his training? Consistency means that Truck will train everyday as scheduled. He knows that there are days when he feels less energetic. Training has its high and low points. One day I am full of energy, and I am eager to put forth extra effort and time in my workout. Another day I am met with distractions, and I am tempted to skip the workout for the day. In his letter to Timothy, Paul reminds him that the Spirit says that there will be distractions that wear upon his energy and motivation. He can avoid this wear and tear by remembering the goals and his belief in his calling and capabilities. In chapter two Paul encourages prayer for all. In chapter three Timothy is instructed to find and ordain suitable helpers to share the burdens of administration in the church. He is to confront false teachings directly. Paul writes, “In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following” (4:6, NASB). How can one remain faithful to the goal? How can one continue to believe when he or she is met with persistent opposition?

The answer lies in the third word that Truck gives to me. Discipline is the one attribute that helps us to hold all things together. Because Truck has discipline, he does not work out only when it is near competition time. Discipline has led to his developing a lifestyle in which he is always mindful of his goals and his belief that he can win. His disciplined lifestyle means that he trains consistently. No distractions and no excuses are acceptable. Discipline keeps our own inner desires and weaknesses from hindering our progress. Discipline keeps us on task. Discipline keeps us motivated to consistently strive to reach our goals. Discipline will not let us give up on those occasions when we do not win. Paul writes about discipline when he says, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:11-13, NASB).

Truck does not follow the same routine day after day, but he does include all the exercises that he needs to keep his body in tip top condition. One day he does exercises for one or two parts of his body. On the next day he does other exercises to work on other another part of his body. The goal is to win the competition. Living a life that pleases God requires a variety of spiritual exercises every day. Each day we must work out including different exercises that will keep us ready to do ministry. We cannot win if we wait until the need arise for us to do ministry for Jesus. Let us know the goal of our ministry. Let us believe, have consistency, and discipline that lead to a lifestyle that represent our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.