HAPPY MONDAY!
We’re launching into summer. It’s a good time to consider today’s word-of-the-week…
FITNESS
I’ve fussed a lot lately about the forced inactivity that’s gradually degrading my physical fitness. But I wonder if I should be a bit more concerned about my spiritual fitness.
Hebrews 12:1 talks about following Jesus using an analogy of physical training: Therefore … let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Developing fitness is actually a relatively simple process–simple, but certainly not easy. Do the work, and you get more fit. Since I’ll soon (hopefully) be resuming physical training, I thought about some principles that might transfer to developing our spiritual fitness.
One day per week isn’t enough. Fitness requires sustained effort and attention throughout the week.
Talking about it doesn’t do any good. You can play the part, wear the costume, and say the words—doesn’t matter. Fitness only changes when you actually do the work.
Everyone does it at their own level. Comparing is a great way to make sure you get discouraged and quit–or never begin.
It depends less on discipline and more on developing proper habits. “Discipline” means forcing yourself to do something you don’t really want to do, and eventually fades for most folks. Habits become ingrained, part of how you live. Fitness habits—physical or spiritual—are much more likely to remain.
Accountability helps. Workout partners, small groups, prayer partners. Gyms, teams, churches. Coaches, pastors, mentors. Fitness is a lot easier in communities.
It’s a long-term issue. You don’t get unfit, or fit, in a day or a week. It’s never too late to begin. And as long as you’ve got a pulse, you’re not finished.
There are probably more, but that’ll get us going for a Monday. As this first full week of June revs up, do you need to begin working on your own physical or spiritual fitness?
What other principles would help the rest of us develop physical and spiritual fitness?
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!