Be a Fanatical Spiritual (Christian) Athlete

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.- 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

It's interesting that this same principle is still at play in our world today.  It's okay to be fanatical if it is for the sake of sports.  If our children participate in sports we expect them to push themselves to the limit; mentally, physically, and emotionally.  We expect them to train like crazy every day.  We expect them to discipline themselves in their diet, sleep schedule, entertainment consumption, etc.  It goes without saying that they cannot become successful athletes by spending hours a day in front of the t.v., playing video games, and staying up to date on Facebook.  So why do we think that we, or our children, can be high level Christian "athletes" by indulging those lazy habits and ignoring fanatical discipline?

In the text above, Paul compares the Christian life to running a race.  Who in their right mind would sign up to run in a race without diligently training every day?  Guess what,  life is a race.  We didn't sign up for it, we were elected to it by the Lord God almighty, Creator of the universe.  That makes it even more imperative to run this race to our absolute best ability.  God has elected us to run our race for His glory!  If that's the case, don't you think we should be training and disciplining ourselves daily so that we can run our best race possible?  After all, we only get one shot at this race.  There is no re-match.  There is no do-over.  There is no tomorrow.  Judgment Day will be upon us in the blink of an eye.

How do we run our race "so as to get a crown that will last forever"?

1. Strict Training
1. Read from God's Word every day.
2. Attend a Bible study at least once/week.
3. Seek out Bible classes that go deeper into the truths of Scripture.
4. Enroll in the Congregational Assistant Program from Martin Luther College.
5. Find a spiritual mentor.
6. Read from Luther's Small Catechism every day.
7. Intentionally develop your leadership skills every day.
2. Running the Race
1. Share the saving truth of God's Word at every opportunity- with friends, family, co-workers,etc.
2. Become an active participant in the ministry of God's Word.
1. Get active in your church.
2. Volunteer with a ministry that is in fellowship with your church body.
3. Start a Bible study in your home (when your mentor agrees that you are ready).
3. Look for ways to use your talents and abilities in service to others, for God's glory.
4. Be the salt and the light in this world.  Strive to live a Godly life every day.
1. Love the Lord you God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.
2. Love you neighbor as yourself.  

Treat your life like an athletic competition.  Be as fanatical about building yourself spiritually as a professional athlete is about building himself physically.

God bless and Merry Christmas
Jason Fredrick