Hi Friends, I know I said that I wouldn’t be back until Dec 1st, but I couldn’t stay away. I want to share an interesting perspective on a few things that I think are critical for the Christian walk. So, stretch sis or sir because these analogies are going to be a reach! I’ve been working out in the gym lately, and it has been a time, okay! But, I’ve noticed that the more I go, the stronger my endurance, and the more invested I am in finding workouts that work for me. This weekend, I sat on the gym floor and began to write a workout sequence to ensure that I’m doing full-body, weekly. I feel that the way we work our bodies is the way we ought to work our spirits. We know that as Christian that there are certain things we do that promote a healthy spiritual life. Just as we feed our flesh every day, our spirit has needs too. So I’ve come up with 4 essentials that your spirit needs right now! This soul workout plan will have you SNATCHED – spiritually, that is. So let’s talk about it!
Gains & Goals. First things, first! Like in any fitness journey, you work towards a goal(s). Even if you don’t verbally express it or write it down, you have an idea of what you desire. You want to look a certain way, feel a certain way, or want to meet that mark! It’s the same, in your walk with Christ, except your opinions or desires does not determine the standard, God does. We are to gain Christ-like attributes and shed EVERYTHANG else. The bible makes it easy for us to determine what we are to increase in Galatians 5.
“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.” Galatians 5:22-23
We want to gain fresh ripe fruit and loose rotten fruit of the flesh. Literally, everything that is flesh will decay, so we want to shed much of that and develop what will last forever – that which is spirit. How do we do that? We do that by meditating on the word of God, prayer, fasting, worship.
Meditate on the Word of God. Consider that meditating for the soul is like food for the body. Have you ever heard the phrase you are what you eat? You are what you meditate on. What you put in will pour out. The word of God is the daily reset for are minds that are flooded with carnal activity all day long. As you meditate, you become full and nourished by the word. Like a healthy diet, it radiates you, fuels you, and causes you to attract people who will want to know what you do differently. Like bomb bodies are made in the Kitchen, the spirit is sculpted by the Word of God.
Worship. The ultimate warm-up and cool down :). Worship is the entrance into the presence of God and the aftermath of his move. The word of God tells us to enter into his presence with thanksgiving and praise and aka worship. When you lift your hands, speak praises to the Lord, or sing them, you are cultivating an atmosphere to welcome and connect with God. It is the signal to your spirit to prepare and direct it’s attention to what the father is doing or saying at that moment. Like a quick jog on the treadmill, amps your body for the coming workout.
Fasting. Many Christians avoid fasting like the plague. It’s because it takes discipline and will to endure what is uncomfortable. Kind of like continuous reps or lifting heavyweights. We have to will through the pain if we want to see growth. Intense work outs wear the body into submission so muscles can repair itself and grow. Fasting beats the flesh into submission so that the spirit can flourish.
Always Pray. Prayer is more than the traditional way we’ve been taught. You know, hand together, eyes closed and head bowed. Prayer can be a conversation with God that I believe should be ongoing. Why? Because this is where a relationship is built with the Holy Spirit is formed through constant dialogue. Prayer is the Rest Day that never ends, keeps restoring, and rebuilding your spiritual muscles so that you can endure what it takes to truly walk with God.
These are my simple tips inspired by workouts. God can inspire you to share the gospel in the strangest ways, right? I wanted to share one last thing that I believe is so imperative. In all your meditating, worshiping, fasting, and praying, don’t forget that the Holy Spirit is a person and wants a relationship that is unique to you. Literally, communicate with him until you find your unique way to communicate with him and have a genuine love for him. Your walk won’t look like anyone else’s, though there are consistent needs for us to begin truly working out our salvation. I hope you enjoyed this read! Do forget to share & subscribe!
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