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Spiritual Muscles Need Exercise Too |
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September 23, 2001 |
| Our oldest
son talked us into it. Getting up before dawn wasn't exactly my cup of
tea. The best thing about a treadmill and a body workout is when that
hour is over. Two things I'm learning: It doesn't do any good if you
don't grunt or sweat, neither of which I do well. My husband has always
said, "For a fat girl, you don't sweat much."
I am discovering muscles I never knew I had. Some of them trembled when I first started working out. They are becoming stronger with a daily workout. We have met many nice people. One man, who carries his oxygen with him, is improving daily. Physical exercise is mandatory for good health. Medical authorities highly endorse it and you know what? I really do feel good, especially when it's over. Nevertheless, I will maintain self discipline because it is important to my well being. There is another aspect of my life that is even more important. You and I are triune beings, spirit, soul and body. The soul consists of our will and emotions and our physical bodies house this temporary tent of clay, but our spirits are eternal. They live forever. The apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 4:8 stresses the important of spiritual training: "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." (NIV) Paul also acknowledged spiritual training in Acts 24:16: "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." (KJV) Knowing my spirit will live forever admonishes me to exercise my spirit in a right and godly way. The Christian life is a life of growth and maturity and it requires training one's conscience, senses and minds to discern good from evil. Walking with God requires spiritual exercise. It is to one's spirit what physical exercise is to the body. Prayer, study and meditation builds "spiritual muscles" and must be exercised daily. When a major problem occurs, there is not time to exercise on the spur of the moment, but having exercised spiritually on a daily basis enables you to not only cope but to know that God is in your midst. The "Faith-rest" walk with God does not come with a once in a while "spiritual exercise." A physical body workout now and then does little for one's muscles as well. Recent studies have shown that those who have faith in God have greater personal health than those who do not. The faith filled person gets sick less often, is depressed less often and recovers from surgery more quickly than those who do not pray or attend church. So while you're taking that walk or working with weights, do your spiritual exercises too. Praise and thank God for a body that is able to exercise. Talk to Him and share your love and appreciation for Him. Train yourself to hear that "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12). Walk in His ways. Learn more about Him and His Word. It is "a lamp to your feet and a light for your path" (Psalm 119:105). Exercising your spirit, soul and body makes a happy day. Start today and have a happy life! |