Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

I have played nine seasons in the National Football League. In the world of football we train constantly. The NFL season starts in late July (they like to wait till it gets as hot as possible) with a Training Camp that consists of around fifty practices before we ever play a real game—this lasts for five to six weeks. Then you enter a professional season that lasts seventeen weeks. It is grueling.

Wednesday and Thursday are our most physical practices, and you slowly taper down the workload until the game on Sunday. Monday you come in to watch film and workout, and on Tuesday you get a day off. Rinse and repeat that process for seventeen weeks. Next comes the time that EVERY player plays for—the off-season—when you finally have some free time. We are off until mid-March, and then it is back to lifting, running, and more practices (without pads). This takes you back to late July and the whole process begins again.

As a professional athlete you are constantly training your body to deal with the rigors of getting beat on for four months and seventeen games. The games are the reason why you run, lift, and practice. And every athlete competes in order to win. The entire year revolves around the one day each week when you actually line up against an opponent, do your job, and the results count.

I give this background to get us (including myself!) to think about what kind of time we (including myself!) dedicate to studying the word of the God. Just like an athlete must train their body, as children of God we must train our minds. We should dedicate our time to study and application of His word.

Everyday as Christians is like game day. While athletes are given a schedule weeks in advance of games coming up, Christians never know when our tests of training may come. The tests could come in a lunch line, a car ride, at home, or in a locker room. This is when our time spent in God’s word must be applied. When Jesus was tested by the devil he went back to God’s word again and again saying, “It is written.” Each time He did he defeated the wiles of the devil. Peter admonishes us to, “Be sober minded; be watchful.” When an athlete is unaware the result is always bad—a sack, fumble, error, or turnover. Being watchful is not a reactionary state, but a proactive state. You must be aware. Aware of your surroundings, companions, and situations you put yourself in (1 Cor.15:33).

Our spiritual training is much more important than anything else we do in this life. That is why we must approach our study and application of God’s word just like an athlete approaches his training.

Editor’s Note: Seth McKinney is a faithful Christian and worships with his wife and children with the Twin Cities congregation in College Station. After graduating high school in Houston where Seth played alongside Drew Brees—a team that won the 5-A Texas title, he became an

All-American four-year starter for Texas A&M. Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2002, Seth has enjoyed a successful career with the Dolphins, Browns and Bills. He suffered a season-ending ACL tear in a start last year against Jacksonville and hopes to rehab in the off-season and return to play professionally for another year or two.

In an era when there is so much negative news about athletes, Seth is refreshing. He is committed to Christ, a quiet and loving husband and father, and a great example for young people. This is a great short article that needs to get into the hands of young people. Use it.