Spiritual Fitness

1 Timothy 4:8 NIV - 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. Keep Reading...

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Spiritual fitness is all about intimacy with Jesus. If you begin a relationship with Jesus and then just leave it at that, you soon will grow very unfit. Just like with physical health, your relationship with Jesus requires exercise, good diet and specific practices. Otherwise, you will lose desire for him. Your spirit will grow sluggish. Bad health tends to spiral leading to more bad health.

You can get spiritually fit. Remember, fitness, per say, is not the goal. Fitness in this context is synonymous with an intimate, thriving relationship with Jesus. In the following days we will look at different spiritual disciplines (ways to get fit).

These disciplines are meant to be incorporated into our daily / weekly routines. They should not be one-off events. Rather, as they are practiced regularly, they will keep your body, soul and spirit fit. You will be exercised in different areas of your life, just like it is important to diversify your physical exercise. God does not want to make us  into bodybuilders with a huge upper body and tiny legs. He is into whole person transformation, or complete fitness.

Take a moment to surrender yourself before the Lord. Perhaps he has already given you ways of staying spiritually fit. But, he will want to tweak, add to, or switch things up in your routines. Are you ready? Tell him that you want to follow his best for you in this season of life.

It’s all about relationship with Jesus. These disciplines are not meant to be a mindless protein shake for the soul. Relationships require listening and feeding back. This should be happening throughout your exercises. Jesus has so much to reveal to you about himself as you ready yourself to receive him.

It’s time to get fit!