Your Level of Training is Revealed by Ps Jim Jung

The coach of my junior football team greatly enjoyed sending us on extended running adventures to ensure we had the stamina to last four quarters of the game. Unfortunately, for my team, our home ground was located in the middle of a horseracing arena! At the conclusion of our regular training regimen, he would tell us to complete two circuits of the racetrack after which we were free to go home.

 

With groans and great sighs of complaint, we would begin the journey around the track. As soon as the coach disappeared into his office we would look for ways to cut across the inner ground; effectively halving the distance we were asked to run. We thought we were so smart - until game day.

 

As the game progressed and the constant effect of following the play began to deplete whatever physical reserves we had, our opposition, would power past us, and the game would be lost. The shortcuts we had taken in our training were revealed for all to see.

 

We often live life in the same way. The shortcuts that we take in our relationships, our responsibilities, our commitments, or even our physical health may not be exposed initially. However, when our lives are under the spotlight, and the pressure of dealing with something is causing undue stress, our levels of preparedness and investment are revealed for all to see.

 

Shortcuts may appear to give quicker results but in the long run expose us at the most inopportune or inappropriate moments. Jesus Christ said it like this:

“…everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down; the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7: 24-27 NIV)

 

Don’t take shortcuts when building strong foundations in your marriages, dating, life, and friendships. Invest in your personal health. Be actively pursuing a daily connection with God. Don’t allow yourself to be overrun during the game of life.