When it comes to spiritual disciplines, I find a very helpful distinction – the difference between trying to do something and training to do something.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control,^[b] lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV

The body’s role in all of this is to serve a greater purpose – it is there to serve my will, my mind and God. The body has no other role and it definitely is not to be served, but rather needs to be a good slave.

I know there is a need to exert undistracted effort. Once-in-a-while will not cut it and I believe for me it did not happen unless I put in daily effort. That means I need to know that I am in a race. It means I know I want to be a disciple and that requires discipline, dedication, proper conditioning and persistence. It means that it will not be easy, but there is a prize.

Here is my thinking – if I am in the race (wanting to be a disciple) I should win. I should have some spiritual ambition. There has to be moments when I look back at my life and see those moments where I have grown.

Maybe I should say right now that the gospel is opposed to earning favour with God through performance, but it does challenge us to serve Jesus. Training in the disciplines will transform us over time. I think of it as a long term conditioning program. It will require patience and perseverance.