Spiritually Fit
May 31
Train yourselves to be godly.
1 Timothy 4:7
“C’mon, B.J., let’s go!” Max’s less-than-enthusiastic wife was lagging a bit this
morning. Just being awake at 6:00 a.m. was a sacrifice in her book! “I know it’s
rough getting up so early, but it’s the only opportunity we have. Now, c’mon.”
They headed out into the cool morning air, stretched, and then jogged the
mile to the health club. Once there, they stretched again, loosening up tight
muscles from their run, and then began their respective workouts.
Fifteen minutes later, B.J. looked toward her husband and said with a sly
smile, “You know, Max, I love how I feel when we get home; I just hate the
work. I don’t so much mind the workout once I get started; I just don’t look
forward to it.”
“I know,” Max responded. “But the reward has been huge. Look at you.
You look great! And I’ve increased my bench press to 270 pounds in just three
months. I feel stronger now than I did when I was twenty!”
They completed their workouts, jogged home, showered, and then headed
for work.
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Physical training can be unpleasant. Yet the rewards are tremendous. Exercis-
ing our body gives us strength we can draw upon each day.
Just as work in the gym may not be fondly anticipated, our daily mental
preparation can be a challenge. Knowing what to do in response to the prob-
lems that arise requires educating ourselves ahead of time. Gaining additional
wisdom should always be our goal.
Even more crucial is our spiritual fitness! It must be determinedly attended
to; otherwise, we have little or no effect in the kingdom. Paul said he worked
harder than everyone else so that he, by God’s grace, might do the work Christ
called him to (1 Corinthians 15:10). His instruction in his first letter to Timothy
was straightforward: it requires training to be godly! Paul’s words were also
penned for us.
We are chosen and appointed to do good works ( John 15:16). Only as a
result of constant spiritual training can we expect to have the strength to per-
form the work as opportunities present themselves.
Prayer
“Lord, help me stay well established in Your Word. On
days when I am lax, remind me of the training required
to do good works. Pump me up spiritually! Amen.”
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