Getting in Shape

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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 Timothy 4:8

At the beginning of each year we are inundated with advice on how to “get in shape” physically. Magazine, newspaper—and online—articles try to motivate us to try something new (again). . . . another fresh start, so to speak. And the New Year offers just that—the opportunity to begin again in a better way. What is the advice? Are there some spiritual lessons we can learn along with the metaphors of physical training?

1. “Consult your doctor before you start any new diet or exercise program for a check-up.”

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” — Psalm 139:23,24

2. “Drink recommended amounts of water.”

“On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If a man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within Him.’ By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive.” — John 7:37-39

3. “Eat healthy.”

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — I Corinthians 10:31

4. “Use portion control.”

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” — Psalm 73:26

5. “Stay active.”

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” — Romans 12:11,12

6.  “Get plenty of rest.”

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. . . . For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” — Exodus 20:8,9,11

7. “Be consistent.”

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” — I Corinthians 15:58

8. “Walking is good exercise.”

“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8

9. “Develop a life-time sport.”

“I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” — Psalm 104:33

10. “Limit fats and sweets in your diet.”

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; renew my life according to your word.” — Psalm 119:37

Holy living. . . .exercising and training in the spiritual disciplines (of prayer, service, worship, study, fasting, fellowship, etc). . . . .growing in spiritual maturity . . . .these phrases speak of the process of sanctification to which we are called as Christians. Far from easy, this spiritual training takes discipline and self-control, but the blessings are eternal. Whether at home or deployed, Scripture is clear that we are to persevere and endure in this life, and God is faithful to reward:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” — II Timothy 4:7

Questions to Share:

1. Which of the ten physical training reminders above are you working on this year?
2. Which of the ten spiritual training reminders above are you working on this year?