Athlete in Training: Overcoming Personal Handicaps

by: Bro. Tony de los Reyes

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 and the life to come  1 Timothy 4:7-8

In order to excel in any sport, athletes, must spend hours and hours in training.  And what is true of athletes is also true of artists and musician.  No one achieves excellence in any field without tremendous self-disciplines, hours of rigorous training, and a willingness to suffer great hardship in order to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. 

Against All Odds

If people who have average abilities must train hard to excel, how much more do those who suffer severe handicaps.  There are many athletes who have excelled, even though they have only one leg or one arm!  They have disciplined themselves to endure great pain and hardship and have trained themselves to overcome their handicaps.

What Are You Training For?

         

Paul often uses illustrations from the world of athletics to help his readers understand the point of his message.  Writing to Timothy and to other Christians he says that physical training that results in excellence in some sport is good; but he says if we concentrate on training ourselves in spiritual disciplines or in godliness – that is much better.

In his letter to Timothy, Paul urges Timothy to train himself for godliness the same way disciplined athletes train for competition.  Several times Paul refers to Timothy’s reserved, timid disposition, which probably contributed to his chronic stomach trouble.

Given his shyness and his half-Jewish, half-Gentile ancestry, Timothy did not seem the ideal choice for a heresy fighter in a turbulent church.  But Paul was convinced he could do the job.  He encouraged Timothy with such motivational phrases as “I charge you” and “I urge you.” He also reminded Timothy of his ordination, a commitment he had made long before.

Harassed Christians need a model, an example of how they should live perhaps even more that they need words of wisdom.  In 1 Timothy, Paul urges his loyal friend to become that model by accepting the discipline and hard work required.

How Hard Are Your Training?

One of Satan’s primary weapons against Christians is the weapon of discouragement. Sometimes we feel that following Jesus is not worth the price.  We lose our job; our family does not understand; we suffer persecution.  At times like these we need discipline.  We need to study God’s Word for encouragement.

Questions: Do you have any personality traits that make Christian service seem difficult? What specific “training instructions” did Paul give Timothy that might also apply to you?