Built for More | Living Set Apart

As a mom of three boys and married to a former basketball player who went on to coach athletes of all ages, I’ve spent countless hours in gyms and on bleachers. From my husband’s playing days to watching my youngest, now a high school senior who’s been dribbling a basketball since he could walk, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to grow and compete as an athlete: discipline, grit, and sacrifice.
It means getting up early, putting in the extra hours, and doing the work no one sees. It means getting enough rest, staying hydrated, fueling your body, and sometimes saying “no” to what others are saying “yes” to. It’s not always glamorous or easy. But the ones who are willing to be set apart in their mindset, their work ethic, and their daily habits are the ones who rise above.
As believers, we’re called to do the same: to live set apart for God.
Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Just as an athlete can’t expect to compete well while following the habits of those who aren’t training, we can’t expect to walk in God’s best while following the patterns of the world.
Being set apart doesn’t mean we’re better than anyone else; it means we’re choosing something different. We’re choosing obedience when compromise looks easier. We’re choosing purity when the world celebrates indulgence. We’re choosing forgiveness when bitterness feels justified.
God has called us not only to run the race, but to run to win (1 Corinthians 9:24). And just like an athlete who trains with purpose, we must discipline ourselves spiritually, spending time in prayer, reading God’s Word, and guarding what we allow to influence our hearts. The reward of living set apart is a life that reflects God’s glory and experiences His abundant blessing, a life that wins in the ways that truly matter.
Reflection | What “training habits” do you need to strengthen in your spiritual walk? Are there areas where you’ve been trying to “fit in” instead of standing apart? Ask God to show you where He’s calling you to live differently, to discipline your heart and mind for His purpose.
Prayer | Father, Thank You for calling me to be set apart for You. Help me to live with discipline and purpose, just as an athlete trains to compete well. Teach me to say no to the things that distract me from You and yes to the things that draw me closer. Renew my mind daily so I can reflect Your heart in all I do. May my life bring glory to You as I run this race with endurance and faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
It means getting up early, putting in the extra hours, and doing the work no one sees. It means getting enough rest, staying hydrated, fueling your body, and sometimes saying “no” to what others are saying “yes” to. It’s not always glamorous or easy. But the ones who are willing to be set apart in their mindset, their work ethic, and their daily habits are the ones who rise above.
As believers, we’re called to do the same: to live set apart for God.
Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Just as an athlete can’t expect to compete well while following the habits of those who aren’t training, we can’t expect to walk in God’s best while following the patterns of the world.
Being set apart doesn’t mean we’re better than anyone else; it means we’re choosing something different. We’re choosing obedience when compromise looks easier. We’re choosing purity when the world celebrates indulgence. We’re choosing forgiveness when bitterness feels justified.
God has called us not only to run the race, but to run to win (1 Corinthians 9:24). And just like an athlete who trains with purpose, we must discipline ourselves spiritually, spending time in prayer, reading God’s Word, and guarding what we allow to influence our hearts. The reward of living set apart is a life that reflects God’s glory and experiences His abundant blessing, a life that wins in the ways that truly matter.
Reflection | What “training habits” do you need to strengthen in your spiritual walk? Are there areas where you’ve been trying to “fit in” instead of standing apart? Ask God to show you where He’s calling you to live differently, to discipline your heart and mind for His purpose.
Prayer | Father, Thank You for calling me to be set apart for You. Help me to live with discipline and purpose, just as an athlete trains to compete well. Teach me to say no to the things that distract me from You and yes to the things that draw me closer. Renew my mind daily so I can reflect Your heart in all I do. May my life bring glory to You as I run this race with endurance and faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!
No Comments