Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please!
I Timothy 4:8(Message Bible)
Hello Friend,
I’m wondering—do you make time to go to the gym? Or do you walk three times a week for 30 minutes to keep your heart healthy? If you answered yes, good for you. For many years, I faithfully worked out at a gym. Ok, I know what you’re thinking—she doesn’t look it. Well, that’s because I got lazy and my workouts became less and less frequent and then I quit. Hence, I don’t have the endurance that I once had, or the shape either. Flab has replaced muscle. And I am not as strong as I used to be. Physical training is important especially as we age.
Now about our scripture for this week, are you exercising your faith? According to the Word, “Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.” Are you training for a godly life? If so, what are your routines? Do you read a daily devotional—they call it a “daily” devotional for a reason. Do you have a regular prayer time? We need a disciplined spiritual life to keep us strong so that when we are put to the test, when trials and temptations come (and they surely will) we are ready for the challenge. I have a neighbor who is in training for a mini-triathlon. Every day he is either running, swimming in the Gulf, or riding his bike—every day. He knows that his body will be put to the test. He needs physical stamina and endurance for the long haul. Waiting for the day of the race and then shouting up a prayer, “Lord, help me,” seems ludicrous, but just as silly is not exercising your spiritual muscles until an emergency comes and being caught with a weak faith.
Are your spiritual muscles strong? Paul says in Philippians 3:14, “I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running and I’m not turning back.” Friends, don’t make excuses. Today is the day to start your spiritual training. Make the commitment to exercise your faith; the prize is yours for the asking.
My personal trainer is the best. His name is Jesus and He has room on his schedule for you, Linda
Prayer: Lord, I choose to grow my spiritual muscles. Train me. Amen
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