The Christian is to remain in shape. That is the reason Paul began this chapter encouraging Timothy to be strong. As an athlete stays in shape by what he does and by what he stays away from, so does the Christian. No athlete stays in shape or becomes strong without some pain. No pain—no gain. An athlete cannot stay in shape without some stretching; Christians need to be willing to stretch their spiritual muscles. We must be willing to grow daily into the likeness of Christ. The Christian must practice.