As a former athlete, there was nothing like game day, warming up in front of your opponents. Depending upon the sport, there were certain matches that over before they began. The team with the best form, technique and talent usually won. Yet, form without faith is a losing recipe, costing several franchises in the past a championship.
Having a form of godliness but denying its power, 2 Timothy 3:5a.
There is a saying in profession sports that says the tape never lies. This refers to players who have a tendency to take plays off, not giving 100 percent. As a former coach, this wasn’t as easy to see. Some players talk a good game, but crumbled under the pressure. Meanwhile, some slacked off during practice, yet like Allen Iverson, when the lights came on, they rose to the challenge. However, to endure for the long haul, form and faith must go hand and hand.
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead, James 2:26.
As an adult, I can’t escape imperfection. No mater how hard I try, some days my form is good, but my faith sucks. Or in times of weakness, my faith is strong, but energy is lacking. However, everyone must be careful of fulfilling 2 Timothy 3:5. Godliness does not come from human effort, but in the spiritual transformation of a human heart. Thus, when Christians begin to go through the motions of religion, they deny God’s power. In view of this, don’t pretend everything is fine. Rather, in humility, let the grace and mercy of God build you up so that your faith takes the form of spiritual fruit.
by Jay Mankus
