Ok, with that title you’re probably thinking I’ve finally lost it (haha), but bear with me and hopefully this will make sense to you.  Stretch your mind with me as I draw an analogy between skiing and the Christian life.  

When you first decide to go skiing, you acquire all the necessary equipment: skis, boots, outerwear, goggles, etc.  You get the idea.  Well, when you accept Christ, you acquire all the necessary “equipment” to live out a victorious Christian life: you are clothed with Christ, and you have full and unlimited access to the whole armor of God.

Once you have all your equipment together and venture out to the slopes, you would more than likely seek out some coaching.  I’m sure your desire would be to learn the proper use of your equipment, as well as the do’s and don’ts of skiing so you can learn to ski as quickly and effectively as possible.  Well, when you accept Christ, you get the Ultimate Coach — the Holy Spirit.  He will show you how to put on the armor of God, as well as teach you the right things to do and the things you should avoid as you live for Christ. 

Now imagine with me that you have been skiing for a little while now, but you find that you’re still on the easy slopes or “snow plowing”.  If that’s the case, you’re probably not all you could be as a skier.  If you’re not experiencing any unease on your skis, then you’ve been on the easy slopes too long — or perhaps you’ve conquered an “expert” slope, and you’re just too familiar with that particular slope.  So the principle here is that whether you are new to the faith, or a veteran of the faith, God wants us to grow in our faith and our skills.  God doesn’t want us to become comfortable where we are in the Christian life.  The enemy of the growing Christian is complacency.  Never be satisfied with where you are with God today. 

Whether you are new to the faith, or a veteran of the faith,
God wants us to grow in our faith and our skills.

“My friends, I don’t feel that I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done. All of us who are mature should think in this same way. And if any of you think differently, God will make it clear to you.” (Philippians 3:13-15)

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.” That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe …set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.  Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.  Do not neglect your gift…Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere in them…” (1 Timothy 4:8-15)

The enemy of the growing Christian is complacency. 
Never be satisfied with where you are with God today.