TRAINED TO WIN
TEMPERANCE
«But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Peter 1:5-7).
Michael Phelps was born on the 30th of June 1985 in the city of Baltimore (USA) and has been considered the best swimmer in history and the most decorated Olympian of all times. He won 71 medals in major international competitions (57 gold, 11 silver and 3 bronze), including the 2008 Beijing Games and 2012 Summer Olympics in London, besides other national and international championships. How could he have so many wins that brought him multiple medals and countless awards?
It is interesting to know that Michael was afraid of water when he was a child. Even so, he started swimming with the help of his older sisters. Many times, he did it in order to avoid his parents’ arguments. However, during his teenage years, the training became more demanding and constant, taking up to five hours a day and swimming about 80 km per week. He was guided by a great coach whom he loved just like his own father. He is known for both his dedication and discipline as it is said that he only missed five days of training in six years.
As far as our health is concerned, the development of the physical, mental and spiritual faculties equally depends on exercise and practice. Every one of the faculties we possess improves when it is practiced. «Giving all diligence,» says the apostle Paul, «add virtue to your virtue, and grace to your race.» In other words, make an effort! Do your best! Exercise godliness (I Tim. 4:7), practice justice (Prov.21:15), hospitality (Rom. 12:13) and all the good works (l Tim. 5:10). Without constant effort and willpower, it is not possible to move forward. There may be obstacles to overcome, but instead of making us weak, they can all work together to make our decision to push forward even stronger.
Like a great trainer and as a loving Father, Jesus walks by our side showing us His own example on how to succeed. There is a valuable price to win: a dynamic, firm and strong character like Christ’s which is filled with love and compassion for mankind. At the end of the road is «the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him» (James l: 12).
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Yudith C & Alejandra Zavala