The Power of the Secret

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There are more than a dozen definitions of the word secret in the dictionary. We generally use the word to refer to something that must be concealed. By nature, humans are lured by secrets; I suppose it fills us with some level of excitement to have information or knowledge that few others possess. In effect, one of the fastest selling books in history is titled 'The Secret'. I bought it and read it, in part, because I too wanted to know what ‘it’ was.

Professional athletes are asked at some point in their careers, in one manner or another, 'how do you do it?'. At times, the explanation may not be lengthy for fear of revealing what is, in fact, a 'trade' secret, or rather, a 'training' secret. Other times, the media gets to 'expose' what appears to be hidden from the public: gruesome training schedules from demanding coaches, daily routines that span hours spent hitting the pavement, pedaling, or doing laps in a swimming pool. I get tired just with hearing the amount of exercise they must go through!

Athletes understand the power of the secret and have never relied on talent alone. Case in point, Tiger Woods hits the golf ball three to four hours a day; Michael Phelps spends five hours a day in a pool. Every serious runner I know consults experienced runners and understands the value of cross-training with other activities. And every serious runner I know is informed about nutrition & fitness, cares to eat the right foods, and has rest and recovery in mind during training. While I do not wish to oversimplify, I do believe that athletes are able to show what they are made of on race day, to power through competitions making it look so easy using only one secret ingredient: Discipline.

And all of this fits perfectly with the concept of spiritual fitness! The Scriptures present it in this manner:

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 NIV.

An active spiritual life calls for us to be disciplined in spiritual training in private, so we can show what we are made of in public, and get the ultimate award of the Kingdom. The power of discipline should be applied to:

1. Prayer (Training)
Our faith that God is present in our day to day life requires that we pray, especially prayer that is done with focus and in private. Matthew 6:6 NIV states: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

2. Reading Scripture (Nutrition)
The Word of God contains all the nutrients we need in our training as Christians - even those nutrients that are invisible. In synch with prayer, it will take us to the next level of spiritual performance.

3. Fasting (Self-control)
Abstaining from certain activities is a way to strengthen one’s mind and to ensure optimal results. Matthew 6:17-18 NIV adds the following about fasting in secret: “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

4. Reflection, Service, and Worship (Cross-training)
If we want to maintain top spiritual shape, we must practice other disciplines. Reflecting on the Word, being of service to others, and private worship are excellent ways to enhance our spiritual fitness.

The first book of Timothy 4:8 NIV sums up this powerful relationship of physical and spiritual fitness, and public reward:

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both present life and the life to come."

Now you know what the secret is and the power it may have on your life. Make sure you share it!

Jairo Ospina