1 Timothy 4.7
“Train yourself in godliness.”
The Spirit of God is actively, supernaturally, and powerfully involved in the process of our growth and skill-building. In response to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we must intentionally and actively train ourselves. 2 Peter tells us to “make every effort” in pursuit of spiritual growth and character development.
“Making every effort” to “train ourselves in godliness” means doing the work to build skill in how we respond to the situations of life and work. It is through repetitive and disciplined action that we form proper habits; we can—we must—intentionally choose those habits that are necessary for the formation of Christian character. Skill and momentum are built through a steady obedience.
Here are the action steps:
- Study. Study the Word of God and study the skills necessary to excel at your job. Identify areas of life and work where you need to build skill, and study and understand the mechanics you need to master.
- Focused Reps. For every stage and at all levels, focused repetition is the single most powerful tactic for building skill. Do the work of consistently applying disciplined mechanics to the events and situations of your life. Practice the right things, the right way, for as long as it takes. The goal is progress, not perfection.
- Reach. Practice at the edge of your current abilities. Building skill will be uncomfortable, but understand that struggle is necessary for growth. If you practice in the comfort zone and avoid the difficult work, you won’t improve and get better. Embrace productive discomfort. Go to the edge of your ability and reach beyond it.
- Use Mistakes as Feedback. When you make a mistake, stop and reflect on it, make adjustments, and go again. It is not a matter of whether or not you will make a mistake, it is a matter of how you respond when you do.
Some habits and skills will come easily to you, others will be more difficult to learn. You will struggle, and that’s a good thing. The struggle will make you better. Not just better at the skill, but better at getting better.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, and energized by a “get better” mindset, this is the work you have to do to grow and build skill. Trust God and do the work!
