Spiritually Fit

           

           My son, while in the Marine Corps, was required to be physically fit, at all times.  It is the responsibility of every Marine, to be able to pass the fitness test when called on to do so.  This requires constant training of one kind or another.  My son found pleasure in working out and took the challenge well beyond what was required. 

Since leaving the service, his “passion” to remain in the best physical shape possible, remains.  His constant body building and fitness routine enables him to push his body beyond the limits.  One of his latest personal achievements includes being able to do 100 chin ups in 4 minutes and 47 seconds!  (I admit doing one chin up would be an accomplishment for me!)  But it makes my point.  He works very hard, every day to reach a new goal.  And he succeeds!  (Obviously, my perspective on physical fitness is not the same as his!)

Anywhere you live across the globe, there are classes for functional fitness focusing on balance, strength and tone.  There are exercises that encourage movement from a general sedentary life style by concentrating on walking; to yoga of all capabilities, along with strength training.  The goal in each case is to promote physical activity that will improve health and quality of life.  You can even climb to great heights in places like Devil's Tower!  (Wyoming)  If you look closely there is a person nearly in the center of the second photo.  You can be sure this person was physically fit before attempting such a climb!

            As Christians, we should have the same “passion” for building our spirit in faith and prayer as my son and others do in physical fitness.  If each Christian took it upon himself to study, pray and “work” at understanding God’s word, we would find ourselves “spiritually fit” beyond what we might imagine!

            A Pastor said once we are responsible to know all that is written in God’s Word.  I was astounded.  I hadn’t ever considered that possibility.  To be responsible and accountable for what I haven’t yet read and know yet?  Responsible!  ……and Accountable!  That means a lot more study time than is often given---through daily searching the Word, to gain discernment and understanding.  

            How many times have we studied a subject matter that interests us, which really has no other advantage except that we “know” it or enjoy it?  If we applied ourselves to His Word with the same diligence we study other material, we would be better equipped to tackle whatever trials we faced.  

            I read an article some years ago about a godly man who was asked by a non-believer some advice on a specific subject.  His reply, “I’ll see what God has to say about it.” He went home and searched the scripture (probably with a Concordance) specifically on that subject and was able to scripturally answer the man’s question!  This man was “spiritually fit” before he answered!  

 If we “worked out with God every day,” the world would be considerably better. We, as a Christian people group, would be able to pass the “spiritual fitness test” whenever we were called on to do so.  Our faith would be strong enough to carry us through whatever we might encounter and be sturdy and resilient enough to carry our neighbor, as well!

I encourage you to evaluate those subjects you study, even casually.  Where does your interests take you?  Do you take time in your busy schedule to reach for the best Book on the planet?  Can you say with sincerity you know the contents…..for which one day we will each be accountable?