Michael Phelps is the most decorated American Olympic swimmer in history. In fact, Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in any sport in world olympic history. Competing in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 games, Phelps won a remarkable 22 medals, 18 of which are gold medals. The second highest gold meal total in history is 9 by four others which is half of Phelps' total. He is now talking about competing in the 2016 Olympic Games where he could add to his already astounding career.
But how did has Phelps been so successful over such a long career?
Partly, he is genetically perfectly designed for the water. He stands 6'4" tall but has a wing span of 6'7". He has double-jointed feet which which move like flippers in the water. God has blessed him physically. But many have been gifted physically but not had the success Phelps has enjoyed.
The primary reason he has won at such an amazing level is his total all-out commitment to triaining each and every day. Phelps never does anything half-heartedly when it comes to preparing for competition. From his daily swimming, to his weight training, to his diet, to his schedule, and to his sleep, Phelps' entire life is completely committed to reaching his goals.
Applying this to walking with Jesus, the same principle applies. If a person truly wants to become everything God has created them to be, he or she must have a complete and total commitment to following Christ and being faithful to God's word. Half-hearted devotion to God's word and to following His lead will only lead to a weak life with little victory in Christ.
In this passage, Jehoash king of Israel seeks counsel from an aged Elisha about fighting the king of Aram. Elisha commands Jehoash king of Israel to do some unusual things with a bow and arrows...
Elisha said, “Get a bow and some arrows,” and he did so. “Take the bow in your hands,” he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. “Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!” Elisha declared. “You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.” Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.” 2 Kings 13:15-19 NIV
Jehoash was obedient but only half-heartedly, which was seemingly the running theme for the kings of Israel in those days. Because he only half-heartedly followed instructions, Elisha declared that he should only expect half-hearted results.
How would you describe your obedience to God's word and calling in your life? Could you be described as half-hearted?
What are some of the things that distract you from being fully committed to Christ?
Dear God, forgive me for being half-hearted in my faith for You. Give me the strength and courage to live for You with everything I have! In Jesus' name, amen.
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