Are you in shape both physically and spiritually? In our society today, physical fitness and our appearance seems to be of high importance, but as Christians, our spiritual health is what needs to be in top shape.

In 1 Timothy 4:8 the apostle Paul writes, “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.” (NIV)

As we all know, our physical health is susceptible to disease and injury, but unfortunately, it is the damage to our spiritual health that can have a detrimental long-term effect. To train ourselves to be godly and toned in righteousness, we must develop our spiritual muscles by:

1. Reading God’s word daily – remember “Bible before breakfast”!

2. Talking to God daily through personal prayer – make prayer the first “set” of your daily workout routine. Pray thanking God for the blessings in your life, His unfailing love, and ask for His guidance on the new day.

3. Cast aside your worldly “idols” that cause you to have weak faith – get rid of the excess “fat” that is only slowing you down!

4. Use your God-given abilities in the service of His church – this does not
require “heavy lifting”, but you are promised to see results!

1 Timothy 4: 15 (NIV) “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress”.

Even highly trained and talented athletes lose their physical abilities if their muscles aren’t toned in constant use. As Christians, if we can add 1 or 2 of these items to our “daily workout routine” we will become stronger in the faith, which will not only improve this present life, but more importantly, the life to come.