Being in the Word daily is a spiritual discipline. It takes determination and will power. Your redeemed spirit rejoices in the Scriptures but your flesh hates it. The flesh, not just your body, but all your earthly, human appetites would rather do just about anything else than sit down and read the Bible and think deeply on its truths.

Discipline is not easy, but it is necessary. An athlete must discipline himself in order to compete. He has to eat the right foods, get proper rest and workout hard and long to keep his body in tiptop shape. An undisciplined athlete wins no competition.

You have certain disciplines built into your life already. You discipline yourself to get up on time in order to get to work or school. Without that discipline, you would never earn a paycheck or pass a class. In much the same way, unless you discipline yourself to be in the Word daily, you will never grow spiritually.

Paul understood this concept. Even the great apostle had to discipline his own life. Using the metaphor of a Greek runner, he describes discipline in today’s verses.

As a believer, you are a spiritual athlete on God’s team.