Many pour their lives and savings into the development of the mind and body but very few realise the need to develop their spirits. Development of the right habits through exercises is a common thing found in all well developed people in any given area. Many athletes are so developed that their new skills are like second nature to them. I wonder what will happen if we are so spiritually developed to the point where spiritual habits become like second nature to us. The vast potentials that are made manifest through development is staggering. The 4 minute- mile record was set many years ago as the limit of the human capability in athletics. Through determination, development of running skills and discoveries, almost all professional athletes now run a mile in less than 4 minutes. It amazes us to think what we will experience when we are so developed in our spirits. Hebrews 5 from verse 13 talks about our senses being trained to discern evil from good through exercise and Paul discusses the race set before us in the light of runners running to win the prize. In 1 Cor.9: 24-27, we read how we should run according to the rules and go into training with the goal of winning. He says he pummels his body and brings it to subjection so he may not be disqualified after he had preached to others. Training demands the subjection of the human body to certain demands so as to improve the ability and skills.

In Romans 12:1-2, Paul says to present our bodies as living sacrifices and renew our minds lest we get conformed to the world. Transformation is the key to real spiritual growth. Conformity is to be squeezed into an external mould. Unfortunately the religious world also tries to squeeze us to external moulds too. True Christianity is to be transformed after Christ has come into our hearts and His new nature in us is allowed to be the dominant nature in our lives. The Word of God is our training manual and the Holy Spirit is our greatest Coach. In 1 Peter 1:2-10, we learn that we can escape the corruption in the world that is fuelled by evil desires as we learn to partake of the divine nature in us. This is made possible through appropriating the many precious promises that have been given to us through God’s power. Without the divine nature we will be swept off by the evil desires that breed corruption in the world. We are advised to provide with generous supply strength to add to our faith, virtue and a number of other qualities.

These additions are our responsibilities if we are going to be fruitful and effective in our walk with God. Many believe that what hey experiencing in God today is all up to God without the realisation that these additions determine whether we shall be fulfilled or fail. Having been forgiven of our past sins, we need to go on to add the following to our faith: Virtue: qualities that elicited pre-eminent estimation of a person; intrinsic value or God’s miracle power. Knowledge: personal knowledge or moral insight; to this we are to add self-control then we add perseverance or patience: this is a sticking to truth and being steady in conviction no matter the opposition. We add this by choice and effort. To this we add Godliness: this is being like God. Godliness is God likeness. We demonstrate the character of God by an act of our will and choice. To Godliness we add brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness we add Agape love. Some training is needed to add these things and regularly make a practise of these things. Meditate on these things and God will give you understanding.

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Rev Kola Ewuosho