Let’s talk about training for a moment. When someone wants to work for a railroad, there is on average 14 weeks of classroom instruction, 12 months on-the-job training, hands-on application (which determining on job can take weeks or months) and exams to assess understanding. This is all before they are allowed to accept a job on their own in the railroad industry. With all the time it takes for someone to simply have the opportunity to work for a railroad, they really need to be dedicated to start this long process.

Training is also required in the Christian walk. When we accept Christ as our Saviour, that is simply the beginning of a new life of training and learning, but it is a fun process. Unlike the trainees of the railroad, we have someone who is there to help us 100% of the time. He even helps us with our tests. It is the Holy Spirit that we receive the moment of salvation. He is there to help us understand our textbook, the Bible, and guide us as we learn to follow it.

At the beginning of a Christian’s life, they really don’t know anything besides that God saved them from their sins on the cross. That is why they need training before they are thrown head first into a ministry they may not fully understand how to do. We all needed basic Bible knowledge and training before we were given responsibilities in the church. Those new believers are called baby Christians, because they need to be fed the basics of the Bible, like a baby needing simply milk. We can’t feed a baby meat when it is just born, and it is the same for a new believer. It takes training to grow to a point to where you are ready for the meat of the Christian life, but the growing process is wonderful. It is getting to know God on a personal level and having him be a part of your daily life. Like I said the Holy Spirit, a part of God, is with every believer once they are saved, but the training helps us to communicate through Him to God the Father in Heaven.

Honestly, it is the best training you could ever experience, and the reward is far beyond anything you can imagine. If you haven’t started your training, talk to a spiritual leader today at your local church. They can guide you to someone who can be your mentor and friend as you start this process. And make sure that you are reading your textbook, the Bible. That will be the biggest part of your training. Study it and then obey it.

I pray that your journey is full of wonderful opportunities to see God for who he really is and that you can experience the joy that only comes from this special training.