Godly character and conduct

. . . are far more important than golf trophies or home-run records, though its possible to have both. High school football squads and baseball teams endure callisthenics under the hot summer sun to be winners. 

Likewise, spiritual exercises make strong Christians. Prayer, meditation, self-examination, fellowship, service, sacrifice, submission to God, and witnessing make a believer, through the Spirit, to become a godly person.

A Christian who wants to excel must really work at it, by the grace of God and to the glory of God. Spiritual exercise in godly living enables us to be good examples -- encourage others. 

1 Timothy 4:11-12 These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers in the world; in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.