Christian Discipleship
Walking With You As You Walk With Jesus
Walking With You As You Walk With Jesus
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
What is the Apostle Paul talking about above?
Just like an athlete has to train her body and willpower to win a race, you must commit to spiritual training if you wish to win the Christian race. The Apostle Paul just described the Christian life as a marathon, a long race that required determination and endurance to win.
You can get tired in your race, and stumble and fall like in a physical race. I know, I have had many such stumbles since I came to faith. This can be really discouraging.
You may even be tempted to quit...
...you are not alone.
I have faced that temptation. Early Christians like in Hebrews considered returning to Judaism because of their suffering. (Hebrews 10:19-39)
What should you do if you stumble and fall? The only thing for you to do is to dust yourself off, get up and keep running.
What kind of training does a new follower of Christ need to avoid tripping up? Through my experiences as a Christian, though my ups and downs, and through study I have come to the conclusion that there are a number of areas you will need to continuously work on if you wish to win your race.
First you will need to improve your knowledge of the Word of God, without which any other techniques you learn will not be as good. The Bible is God's word to you, and taking the time and effort to learn God's message will be the most important factor in your training.
Memorize key Christian worldview and biblical concepts. This can be difficult for some people but I firmly believe it is a mental discipline that you will appreciate in your Christian walk.
As someone who has a horrible memory, I have often struggled to remember Bible verses or ideas. It is not only frustrating but also detrimental to my Christian walk.
By practicing the discipline of memorization I am able to lessen the impact of my poor memory. I really recommend taking the time to memorize key Bible passages.
As you learn more of the Bible, and how God wants you to live, you will hopefully be able to notice God at work in your life on a daily basis. Through these experiences you will be able to hear when God is speaking to you, discover His unique plan for your life and do what you normally never be able to do.
As you learn more about how God wants you to live, you also have to take steps to do the things God wants you to do.
You will want to get rid of all your bad habits and replace them with good habits.
There are a number of techniques and disciplines that can help you live the Christian life, but ultimately the effort must come by surrendering to the Holy Spirit and obeying God's commands.