It’s amazing how quickly physical stamina and muscle strength
can turn to mush. Now that I have completed my qualifying exam for the PhD
program, it is time to resume my exercise routine. I was disheartened to
realize how out of shape I’ve gotten in such a short time. It takes continuous
workouts to maintain physical strength, and the same is true of spiritual
strength.
If we never faced spiritual challenges (trials and
tribulations) we’d have faith, but it would be weak. Lots of Christians think
that if they neglect their personal time with the Lord, that they will become
stagnant and stay where they are spiritually. Unfortunately, that’s not true.
In the same way getting lazy about physical exercise leads to flabbiness and a lack of muscle
strength, spiritual laziness leads to a life of apathy and selfish living. If
my Bible sits on the shelf gathering dust, it is as effective in helping me get
spiritually fit as my elliptical is sitting in the corner as a clothes rack.
In order to get into better shape in 2014, we have to
discipline ourselves to exercise, both physically and spiritually. Thankfully,
I’ve got a couple of good friends who I hope will be personal trainers in my
life – holding me accountable to step it up on both fronts. What about you? What are you doing to get in
shape this year?
Labels: Inspirational
