Day 4 - Join God's Gym

Scripture Reading — 1 Timothy 4:6-10; Ephesians 2:4-7; Romans 12:1-3; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:12-16

Very few people are able to sit at a piano and play beautiful music without having had any training. A gifted musician who is recognized for her ability has undoubtedly spent hours practicing her craft. With enough practice and time, she can do something with a piano that seems natural. In reality, it has become second nature through time, practice, and training.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we admit that we are not naturally inclined to pursue God’s desires or to please him. But it’s possible to develop a “second nature.” In his letter to Timothy, Paul encourages his friend to train himself to be godly. Training means developing habits and practices that will transform you. 

Where there is no discipline there is disaster. Living without discipline is like living without exercise. In fact, from the Greek word for discipline, we derive our English word “gymnasium,” the place where exercise happens. Just as we need physical exercise to maintain our physical bodies, so we need spiritual exercises such as prayer, study, solitude, and worship to spiritually renew our minds and keep us in shape spiritually. 

Spiritual renewal of our minds requires an understanding of who God is and how He relates to His people. Drawing near to God is about enjoying a relationship with Him, not passing some “final exam.” As we become more disciplined with our spiritual exercises, we are able to discern more clearly His good, perfect, and acceptable will for us in Christ. We begin thinking in a completely different way. We become transformed!

Father, my thoughts and actions are often controlled by earthly influences. I want to be conformed to Christ. Renew my mind so I can see how perfectly pleasing Your will is. Lord, help me renew my mind. Transform my thinking so that I can live a victorious life and reflect Your will in everything I do. Show me the spiritual exercises I need to develop to be fit for Your service. Help me to train faithfully so that I am in tune with Your design for my life. In Jesus name. Amen.