In Malcolm Gladwell’s 2008 bestseller, Outliers, he popularized the “10,000 hours rule,” which claims that it takes about 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert in any competitive field, from violin to basketball to Halo. It was based on several studies that argued for the “practice makes perfect” theory for any skill.

The rule has drawn criticism and skepticism, including from Sports Illustrated’s David Epstein, whose new book, The Sports Gene, attempts to disprove the theory. Practice is essential, of course, but there’s a reason Jamaicans dominate sprinting. According to the book, Kenyans excel at long-distance track, and tall people are much more likely to make it to the NBA. Epstein also notes that the world’s best in the high jump, darts, and track don’t need nearly 10,000 hours of practice. It’s in the genes, he argues.

1 Timothy 4 – Pursuit of Holiness

I’m glad that godliness doesn’t depend on our genes but on the Holy Spirit and our pursuit of holiness. Paul makes this argument in 1 Timothy 4 to those who want to lead and teach in the church. Those who want to teach Scripture, first and foremost, must become faithful students of the Bible and allow sound doctrine to saturate their lives, which results in godliness.

Why is it crucial to cultivate practical godliness? The Lord commands us in 1 Timothy 4:7, “Train yourself for godliness.” If you want to obey God, you’ll cultivate practical godliness. Cultivating practical godliness is necessary for the Christian life. It involves pursuing personal spiritual disciplines (bible reading, prayer, fasting, etc.) and interpersonal practices (baptism, the Lord’s Supper, fellowship, family worship, etc.).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete discipline their bodies for godliness through biblical spiritual practices. They recognize that this involves a specific activity, something you do rather than something you are. However, they also know that apart from God’s grace, the disciplines are powerless to make us more godly without the right biblical motivation.

Bible Memory Verse – “[God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:4  2 Timothy 2:4 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: 10,000 Hours Rule

Our featured book this week is Spiritual Runner (A Runner After God’s Own Heart) by Jolee Paden.                                                                                                                              

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