All on the Field: A Good Athlete—Having Discipline - Thursday
1 Timothy 5:23
Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. (NIV)
In 1 Timothy, the advice Paul gives to young Timothy about how to take better care of himself is pretty thoughtful. Throughout 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul is urging him to endure and stay in the fight, and in the midst of this, he comments on Timothy’s physical health. While Paul’s specific advice may not be quite up to par with modern medicine, don’t miss the importance here. There are times when we have to pay attention to our physical health as a way to ensure our spiritual health as well. If you don’t believe me, see how grumpy you are and how much “fruit of the spirit” you lack when you don’t get sleep for two days.
There are times when athletes in training have to rest, too. Their bodies and muscles need recovery time. Without it, they risk injury and burnout. Some of us reading this need to cancel most, if not all, of our upcoming weekend plans and get some good rest. You cannot complete the race and win the prize if you are injured or so worn out that you quit.
I am not your mentor, but I can imagine that all of us need to hear some advice akin to what Timothy received from Paul. Here’s a try at the spirit of his words of love and concern from me to you: Stop running on empty. It’s not good for you, and it’s not good for those around you, either. Take a nap, read something fun, go on a hike, enjoy a healthy meal, cancel some plans, and get the rest you need to endure the race.
Thursday’s Reflection
What do you need to do today and/or this week to slow down, rest, and take better care of yourself? If you’re not sure, ask God to show you. Go ahead and make a plan for it now, and do everything you can to follow through.
