Perhaps the quickest method for achieving any goal is to “be” that goal. This means that you should aim to replicate as many things as possible that are consistent with your goals. For example, if your goal is to be the very best, then you could do the following:
Eat like a champion…train like a champion…recover like a champion…behave like a champion…be a champion…
Taken from Going Long: Training for Ironman Distance Triathlon by Joe Friel and Gordon Byrn
Tonight, I just had a conversation between being and doing. One can do Christian activities (go to church, go to prayer meeting, go do a program etc) and not necessary be a Christian.
Three years ago when I started to train for longer distance triathlon, I had to shift my lifestyle.
Where the norm is to stay out late on Fri, I sleep early so I can get enough rest to recover my body. I get up 5 am to walk to the pool to swim. To do that, it means I have to go to bed early.
Where the norm is to eat buffet for pleasure, I become obsess in eating as healthy as possible. I no longer eat for its taste. Rather I look at its nutrition value and consume if it helps me recover faster.
I don’t do triathlon. I become a triathlete.
There is a difference. In attitude and in setting priority. In the head and in the heart.
Doing doesn’t require total sacrifice. Like an actor on stage, the role is switch on when needed. I can get on my fancy tri gears. Go for a easy stroll on Sat and then spend the rest of the week sitting back and munching on junk food. Or like on Sun, I dress up nicely to go to church. On the other days, I go do my own thing.
Being takes total commitment. Black and white.
The disciples of Christ, they didn’t just DO. They become.
They don’t have a choice. They give up everything and follow Him. It was total surrendering and reliance. They have nothing else to rely on except Him. They have no where to go. They just have Christ.
And this is the commitment of being a Disciple and this is also the cost of being a Disciple.
What’s the goal of my heart? Is it Him or is it me?
