Alex Morgan, a member of the U.S. National Soccer Team who is heading to the 2012 Olympics, gave 3 requirements for training like an Olympian.  In a recent interview, she stated that diet, motivation, and exercise are essential when training.

I find it interesting that even back in the days when Paul was writing certain portions of the Bible, he referenced sporting events as an example as to how we should conduct ourselves as Christians.  Here are 3 scriptures to support my point:

“Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.” (2Timothy 2:5)

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;” (2Timothy 4:7)

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.” (1Cornithians 9:24)

Paul had a great understanding of the correlation between what it takes to keep our physical bodies in shape and what it takes to keep our spiritual life intact.  If Paul were alive today, I could see him being a huge fan of the Olympic games, the Dodgers…and maybe even the Angels.