Training

“ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” ~ 2 Timothy 5:16-17

Think of the word training and there are several pictures which may enter your mind. The boxer who spars in the ring or endlessly jabs at the bag. The marathon runner who rises early in the morning and takes to the neighborhood streets or park pathways. The weightlifter at the gym. The swimmer in the pool. There is movement, and determination, and purpose in the training. Each has a goal to achieve, a destination to reach. Training is the path that each follows to reach the goal. This is the picture that Paul wants us to see as he writes to Timothy, a young man that he trains in the faith.
For Paul, the goal of the Christian is to know Jesus. It is to live a life that is defined by the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior. That life is dedicated to holiness, obedience, and righteousness. In writing to Timothy, Paul gives instruction about reaching the goal of being a man of God. He wants Timothy to train for righteousness. To dedicate every day to walking a path that carried him deeper and deeper into God’s will and God’s presence. IN order to do that, Paul instructs Timothy to pay attention to what God has revealed. The Scriptures help us to know Jesus so that we know our destination. The Bible teaches us what it means to look like Jesus. The Word of God trains us to listen to God. Paul wants Timothy to hear Scripture speak correction in his life. To surrender to the transformation that God promises. God calls us out of sin and into Christ. The goal is maturity, an imitation of Jesus that runs so deep we begin to see and think and feel the way that Jesus does. Our hearts become aligned with His heart.
Training is a process of growth. God invites you to grow into more than you could accomplish on your own. He sets a high standard and then walks with us to help us be what He desires for us. The life you live today is part of that training. What habits are in place today that bring you deeper into fellowship with Jesus? What practices need to be changed? Where is God leading you as He offers the training that comes with a life lived in Him?