Nature of Godly Discipline - 2

Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither. (1 Corinthians 9:25 Amplified)

We should train our bodies not to rule over us so that we may remain in submission to Christ as our Lord. In ancient Greece, the word for training was gumnos. This word literally means “naked.” It is, in fact, from this Greek word we derive the English word “gymnasium.”

In ancient Greek culture, they held that, by freeing themselves of everything that could hinder them, they could train to their fullest potential. Hence, they would exercise naked or train naked. While I certainly do not recommend this in any form, the principle is noteworthy.

As Christians, we, too, are called to strip ourselves of the things of the flesh, that we may exercise ourselves toward godliness.

It takes hard work to get in good physical shape, and it takes commitment to maintain a good physical condition. In the same way, it also takes hard work and commitment to maintain a good spiritual condition.

Having great desires and dreams is a starting point but at the end of it all is if anyone who wants to get into good spiritual shape has to be diligent to exercise himself spiritually. This is why the apostle Paul told Timothy,

“Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. (1 Timothy 4:7 Amplified). Training ourselves towards godliness keeps us spiritually fit.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 NLT)

By stripping ourselves of the works of the flesh, we can better discipline ourselves in godliness. While many are looking for an easy way out, you be determined that you are going to use this season in your life to exercise your faith and become stronger in the Lord!

I confess that I am getting stronger and stronger in the Lord. I have made the choice to use everything that comes into my life as an opportunity to exercise my faith and develop myself spiritually. In Jesus’ name. Amen.