Romans 12:1

Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrafices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Why "Spiritual Fitness"? Why "Physical Fitness"?

2 Peter 1:3-4   
His divine power has given us (EVERYTHING) we need for life and godliness through our (KNOWLEDGE) of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very (PRECIOUS)promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

So why Spiritual fitness?  As we read and ponder this verse in 2 Peter we see that we have been given so very much.  But what exactly?  Everything!!!  Not just "some things'" but every thing and as we grow in our knowledge of Christ we come to know His precious promises.
 
My Bible Knowledge Commentary states that the word (life) means Spiritual Vitality, and we attain that through an intimate"full knowledge" of Christ who is the source of spiritual power and growth.

The Websters definition of "Vitality": the capacity to live and develop; physical or mental vigor especially when highly developed; a power of enduring; (and finally my favorite)lively and animated character(if you know me you would agree).


Most of us, when we set out to do "something", especially if it takes time and discipline, we expect some sort of "benefit" or "return" on our investment.  What do we gain by setting some time and discipline aside to get to know Christ?  Every thing we need to survive in this world.
These are a few of the benefits I have pondered:
  • Wisdom, knowledge and insight; into my circumstances, relationships, purpose and direction in life.
  • Discernment; to know the difference between truth and deception.
  • Compassion for others and the ability to comfort those to that which I have been comforted.
  • A deeper relationship with the Author and Perfecter of my Faith, Jesus Christ.(this is actually first and foremost)
And John 3:16, That God almighty would send is only begotten son on this earth to suffer and experience a humiliating and horrifying death to save me.....how can I do anything but spend some time getting to know HIM.

Now to answer the Question "Why Physical Fitness"?
Proverbs31:17  She sets out about her work (VIGOROUSLY); her arms are (STRONG)for her tasks.

I love the word "Vigorously".  The Websters dictionary puts it like this: Full of mental strength or active force.  Vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

Wow!!!  That's what I want. Mental strength, freshness and robustness.  Becoming more physically fit will give me the ability to cope with the arduous and challenging things in daily life.  Not to mention I will be ready to serve God in what ever way He needs.  He could ask me to clean some ones home who isn't able or do their yard work or watch their very active children, do their laundry or......?  I think you get the picture.   And do these things with vigor and a cheerful heart.

Now for the "Physiological" benefits of physical fitness:
  • Increase in energy
  • ability to metabolize calories more efficiently(we all like that one).
  • natural mood elevator, decreases symptoms of depression.
  • Improves sleep patterns.(nothing like that good nights sleep from a vigorous day)
  • Live Longer
  • Alleviates Stress
  • Improves muscle tone(which decreases osteoporosis too)
So, ultimately, when we take time out for Spiritual and Physical fitness we train ourselves to gain Vitality and to pursue life with Vigor!  Who doesn't want that?

I pray that God blesses you richly as you pursue to bless Him and seek Him in this journey of wholeness.  I pray that you grab on to the Power and Promises that Jesus so readily gives and that you receive a fresh revelation of His Plan and Purpose for your life.  In Jesus name.  AMEN!

Today's "Worship Walk" play list:

Burning One's                                        Chris Quilala
Breath Of God                                       Vicky Beeching
We Still Believe                                    Kathryn Cott
You Set The Rhythm                              NewWorldSon
Beautiful                                               Mercy Me
You're Never Giving Up                      Jonathan David Heisler

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