Training: Equipped for God's Service
Teaching imparts knowledge, but training develops skill through practice and discipline. Discover how God uses your present circumstances to prepare you for future service, how practical application turns theory into experience, and how to pass on what you have learned by training others.
Training for Reigning
Teaching is the imparting of knowledge while the aim of training is to develop skill which requires implementing and practice for the pupil to be equipped and proficient. Training is fundamental to success and goes hand in hand with discipline – each supplements and reinforces the other. Training is always future-orientated – it equips you today for the service and opportunities God has planned for you tomorrow.
Thorough preparation is essential for success
Your present situation, however undesirable, is part of God’s preparation for future service and ministry so don’t treat it lightly or irresponsibly (Job 5:17; Rom 8:28). We are in training for reigning in His Kingdom (2 Tim 2:12; Rev 5:10, 22:5). Learn your lessons well so you can advance in His personal development program for you and also be able to instruct others (2 Tim 2:2; Heb 5:11-6:2).
Personal Training
Apply yourself willingly and be prepared for when your opportunity arrives. Learn by asking questions, observing, working with others and having the courage to ‘have a go’. Even if you repeatedly fail, you learn from these experiences. Both motivation and self-discipline are required to reach any worthwhile goal (1 Cor 9:25). There is always a cost involved.
Look for hands-on training opportunities to sharpen your skills
The best way of learning and retaining information is by putting into practice what has been taught through practical application – going and doing! Theory is of little value unless translated into reality, complete with follow-up and reporting back (Mk 6:7-13; Lk 9:1-6, 10:1-20). Goal setting, correction, discipline, encouragement and accountability are all part of training and lead to gaining experience. While it is good to have something to aim at in the distant future, the main focus of our attention should be on the present.
As Christians we have the Bible and the divine wisdom of the Holy Spirit to assist us as we grow in our faith. Like an eagle teaching its young to fly, God will stretch us beyond our comfort zone but this is the only way to advance (Deut 32:11). We need to discern the Lord’s purposes and use His methods for doing His work; otherwise it is not acceptable to Him (2 Tim 2:5, 3:16-17; Jas 1:5). He is both captain and coach so we can rely on Him to train us. David said when faced with a new challenge, ‘I can’t use these implements, I haven’t proved them, but I have a vital relationship with God, and a record of past success’ (1 Sam 17:33-50). His confidence was in God, not things.
Learn from everyone – either a good virtue to copy or a fault to avoid
Christians are constantly in training even in the midst of spiritual battles. Without training, everyone does their own thing; there is no discipline or working to a master plan, and the venture is easily overcome. If there is no structured guidance new believers can fall into deception and heresy. However, those who are trained become informed, equipped, disciplined, and prepared to run the course of life with faith.
Training Others
Part of being a good leader is to train a suitable replacement for yourself – circumstances change, and it is sound policy to be actively recruiting and training others. By developing others you will ensure a smooth transition when, for whatever reason, you are no longer in the leadership position.
The wisdom of succession planning and development
“Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they won’t depart from it” (Prov 22:6; Eph 6:4). Although this is not an infallible guarantee, it is a sound parenting principle. Specific requests or instructions should focus on the positive visualisation in the mind – ‘play nicely with your toys’ rather than the negative ‘don’t throw your toys’.
Reflection and Application
- What present circumstance, however undesirable, is God using to prepare you for future service?
- Where is God stretching you beyond your comfort zone, like the eagle teaching its young to fly?
- Which lessons has God taught you well enough to instruct others also?
- Who are you actively recruiting and training as a successor or in your sphere of influence?