Four Ways to Go Deeper in Your Spiritual Walk

Participating in the Olympics is an incredible achievement.

Only about 0.0000017% of the world’s population — or 1 in 500,000 people — will make it. And of those that do, the odds for winning a medal are even more astronomical (an estimated 5-13% of athletes for each event).

While there are other factors involved, such as country size and number of athletes in each competition, the point remains: making it to the Olympics is difficult.

Most Olympians build their entire lives around their sport. They think about it constantly.

This begs the question: As Christians, are we doing the same? If you want to find out, just take a look at where you spend your time and money..

• Does your bank account reflect retail therapy before tithing?
• Do you spend more time on your phone than reading your Bible?
• Is intentional time with your community flexible?

Like Olympic athletes, we have to stay focused and intentional if we want to see growth in our walk with God. Just as an athlete can train to grow stronger physically, we can work on building our spiritual strength every single day.

Here are four ways we can do that.

1. Reading Our Bible

If there’s one thing that makes it easier to stay focused in life, it’s God’s Word. It reminds us of what he’s done. It encourages us and guides us. And it gives us the hope we need to anchor our souls. This is part of the reason why memorizing Scripture is so beneficial.

We should make it our goal to not only read the Bible daily, but as often as needed until we make turning to it an automatic response and natural part of our life.

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.” (Jeremiah 15:16)

2. Feasting on Prayer

We’re told to “pray without ceasing” in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which doesn’t necessarily mean we have to vocalize prayer throughout our day, but it does mean we should have a constant awareness of God’s presence. Our conversation with God should really never stop.

And while short “popcorn prayers” can be beneficial and help us do that, there’s nothing quite like focused, lengthy prayer sessions where we can linger in God’s presence. When we view prayer as spiritual nourishment, we realize that we need it every day to feed our souls.

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)

3. Worshipping Constantly

Prayer and Bible reading are amazing and essential, but one thing they have in common is that they require effort. As human beings with limited capacities, we sometimes don’t have anything left in the tank to do either. But one thing we can always do, even without uttering or reading a word, is worship. Listening to music focused on God not only helps us think about him, but it helps drown out any negative voices swirling around our heads.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

4. Maintaining Humility

A lot of successful Olympic athletes remember where they started. They don’t forget their humble beginnings and what it was like before they rose to the status of “best in the world.” This ingrained humility drives them and helps them maintain consistency.

Likewise, we should never forget what our lives could be like without Jesus. The most important person in history humbled himself and became a servant. If God can model humility, then the rest of us should as well. That means choosing to have a teachable spirit and being open to correction, conviction, accountability and guidance — from God and others.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)

Where is Your Focus?

These may seem like basic practices, and that’s because they are! Olympic athletes don’t win medals by leaning on their natural abilities alone. They become champions by mastering the little things and practicing when no one else is watching.

Just as legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden ensured his players mastered the art of tying their shoe laces before ever stepping on the court, we must first master the basic tenets of spiritual discipline before we can grow stronger.

Focus leads to determination. Determination leads to consistency. Consistency leads to excellence. And excellence should be our goal.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)