I’ve also noticed lots of “get in shape for summer” ads popping up. These are great reminders for me to start exercising more to prepare my body for summer camp. But my physical body is not the only thing that needs some tuning up and training. Actually, while it is beneficial to eat right and exercise, physical training is not even the most important type of training.
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.
I don’t know about you, but this resonates with me. I don’t always focus intentionally on my physical fitness. I mean, we all know the basics for being physically fit– eat right and exercise. But that doesn’t mean we are all in good shape. These are simple and straightforward concepts that are pretty easy to implement. I’m not a professional athlete by any stretch, but I do like to run and play, and I hope my body will be able to do so. I need to be intentional about taking care of myself.
The same is true for my spiritual fitness, my godliness. What are the simple principles to growing a godly relationship with the Lord Jesus? I’m glad you asked.
First, we need to eat right. We need to feast on the word of God – the Bible. Bible study and learning from God’s word is illustrated many times in scripture as our spiritual nourishment. We need to be spending time prayerfully reading and studying God’s word ourselves (not just listening to a weekly sermon, although that is good to do, too).
Secondly, we need to exercise. We need to get out and live life in obedience to God. We need to be active in our faith, making decisions according to God’s word, sharing our faith, making disciples.
I have recently taught my kids what the term “couch-potato” means – someone who sits around watching too much T.V. and is not active and eats junk food. These couch-potatoes cannot enjoy playing outside, because they have not taken care of their body.
Let us not be spiritual couch-potatoes. We want to enjoy the abundant life the Lord promised in John 10:10. In weeks to come, we’ll look at different components of spiritual fitness, but for now get in the word and get out there and show others how much you love Jesus!
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