In every area of life we start off being unfit. This can be due to a lack of knowledge, experience, desire or time. As a child we come into this world unfit to feed, clean, or care for ourselves. Over time we grow by continuously applying what we learn. We become stronger and more capable over time. If we choose not to pursue becoming more fit, we become weaker and forfeit becoming all we were created to be.
Spiritual fitness is one of those areas that can be neglected even though it impacts every aspect of our life. Choosing not to grow spiritually leads to a weakening of our faith and ability to approach life and its challenges in a healthy way. Ignoring our spiritual fitness causes us to falls short in being able to fulfill our purpose and calling. Our hopes and dreams suffer when we do not work our spiritual muscles.
We are created by God. We did not create or plan ourselves. Everything that God creates has a purpose. We have a choice to be used by God to become who we are designed to be or be frustrated with trying to become something we are not. If you want to become everything your were called and created to be, you must pursue spiritual fitness. So how do we become spiritually fit? Here are a few things you can do to get started on your journey.
Pray
We communicate with God through prayer. Prayer involves speaking and listening. No relationship can grow without maintaining daily communication. Fight for time to spend with Him in prayer. As you pray, be honest and open. This is an opportunity to give him thanks and express your concerns. Listen to what you hear and write in down. Pray when you are happy, thankful, sad, disappointed, frustrated, and confused. No matter what you are feeling or what circumstance you are facing, He is always available and always hear you. There are things about yourself only God knows. Go to your Creator and allow Him to show you who you are and designed you to be. Trust Him to guide you and make you into the man or woman He has predestined you to become.
Read Your Bible
Don’t have one? Get one! This is one of the ways God speaks to us. Reading the bible gives us examples of how to handle different challenges in our life. It also encourages us and shows us who we are. The Word of God, another word for the bible, builds our faith and gives us instruction regarding different situations we face. The culture and time period may be different but the principles and truths God wants to speak to you are relevant. It makes you stronger and helps you to grow through the lives of others who lived years before us. Learn and memorize scripture. When you face different situations, He brings those things to our memory. That is an example of Him speaking to us and giving us direction on a day to day basis.
Get Planted in a Church
Adequate fitness in any area cannot be obtained alone. We are not meant to live in isolation. Our relationship with God through Jesus should be visible. Being active in a healthy church provides fellowship with Christians needed to support our growth. Church allows you to learn more about God’s Word, be encouraged, and establishes relationships that will support instead of hinder your walk with God. Pray that the Lord would show you where He would have you attend. Trust that He will show you and plant you where you can be rooted and flourish in every aspect of your life. What you learn in church will help you deal with and conquer whatever you face and encounter in your every day life. Know that you are to be a blessing to the church and be blessed by the church. Serve and get connected.
Discipleship
This is like spiritual coaching. Hold yourself accountable to someone who is trustworthy and spiritually stronger than you. Share what you have learned with others less knowledgeable than you. In other words, be discipled by individuals that can pour into you and disciple those who need you to pour into them. Freely give what you have received. People are looking for help and want to learn from what you have been taught and have applied to your life. God will bring people to your life to help you grow and use you to help them grow. Ask God who those individuals are. Do not be afraid to share what you have learned. Our faith is built up when we share our faith. It causes us to remember what He has done, trust Him greater things, and allows others to find Hope in Him in their situation.
In Summary
Alone you can only go so far. With others you can go further. With God you can go far. To be everything you are called to be, you need God and the people God has intentionally placed in your life to grow. Spiritual fitness is foundational to anything you will and can do in this life. Make time to pray and communicate with God every day throughout the day. Read your bible every day and apply what you learn. Allow your faith to grow by fellowshipping with other believers and serving in a church. Be discipled and find someone else to disciple. This is how you exercise spiritually.
Have questions? Leave a comment or send me a message. Thanks for reading!