TRAIN FOR THE GOLD!

By Rev. Kobena Charm

Freddy Adu, the 14-year-old soccer phenom from Ghana, made his professional debut in Major League Soccer with the D. C. United recently. Freddy is believed to be the savior of American soccer. Success and acclaim didn't come easy for Freddy. He trained and continues to train for the gold. Even so, in our spiritual walk, we must train for the gold.

Training for the gold is hard work. It demands constant practice-- running, catching the ball, keeping the focus, listening to the coach. Training for gold requires sticking to the game plan. Lots of sweat is expended. There are broken bones. For any sport, to excel the sportsman or woman must train hard, fixing his or her eyes on the prize.

The Bible also talks about training ourselves in the things of God. To attain the gold of righteousness, we must train ourselves.

Training for righteousness requires specific rules. For children, parents are required to teach them the word of God constantly (Deuteronomy 6:7-8). Mom and Dad must teach the child or children the word of God as well as lead by example. The parents' walk must not contradict their teaching.

" Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." ( Ephesians 6:4).

To gain the true riches of righteousness, the people of God must reject the things that pollute, detract or impede their walk in righteousness. Some of the draw backs to a successful spiritual walk are sexual impurity, dishonesty, greed, malice, racism, etc... Rather, we train ourselves by reading the word of God and living by it. By prayer and devotion to the things of God. And by bringing our selfish and destructive tendencies into subjection to the rule of God in our lives: " But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:11-12).

True or false, Freddy is bound to influence the game of soccer in America. But what is note worthy is that such soccer prowess and talent didn't cheaply. Freddy trained hard. His mother gave him all the support and guidance he needed. The same could be said of such phenomenal professional sports icons as Tiger Woods (golf), Michele kwan (ice skating) or Michael Jordan (basketball).

Train for the gold! Yes, it's great to have exulting praise from the sporting media, and to bring sporting fans to their feet in joyful celebrations. But of a greater value and joy, God wants us train ourselves for the true gold and the true riches that never lose their luster or worth.

" Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules." ( 2 Timothy 2:5).