“On Your Mark, Get Set, Grow!”

             Are you developing your spiritual muscles? To train yourself to be godly, you must develop your faith by using your God-given abilities. In order to press ahead spiritually, you must put forth the demanding and grueling effort of an athlete. Therefore, “I Press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12b)

            You must train your spirit, (mind and body) to achieve spiritual maturity. The Christian is spirit, mind & body, whereas, the non-Christian is body, mind & spirit. To have any success, this growth will come by reasoning, reading, researching, relating, recognizing, and responding to the Word of God. No shortcuts. No surrogate faith. No Help in carrying your own cross!

The clear call from the apostle Paul to Timothy, and also to today’s believers, is spiritual discipline. This growth takes effort, regimen, commitment and perseverance … just like in any form of motorsports. These are not terms of mediocrity or complacency, but of devotion and excellence. The practice of prayer, worship, fellowship, crisp thinking, Bible study, meditation, fasting, service, and accountability are just a few of the spiritual exercises the Christian  can do to cultivate a fit, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

            Maybe you think you can’t compete in this kind of demanding spiritual environment? You say I’m no spiritual athlete. I’ve tried to pray regularly, but it is a hit or miss thing. I’ve attempted to systematically ingest the Bible, but I end up only snacking, not feeding on it. The idea of accountability or extensive fellowship almost nauseates me.

Today can be the day with the Lord’s help. You can begin basic training again. It’s never too late to start a spiritual fitness program. “God’s gym” (not Gold’s Gym) is for all who call themselves believers. The weak willed, weary, fatigued, disillusioned and disappointed are always welcome.

The objective of spiritual discipline is godliness therefore discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness. There’s no showmanship in God’s gumnazo. The Greek word “gumnazo” from which we derive our word gymnasium means discipline. Timothy knew the implication of Paul’s command, since Greek education had three classic fundamentals: gymnastics, music, and writing. No leotards. No shorts. No Bow-flex. No guitar. No fiction novel … just you and the Word.

Like any other worthy pursuit, the disciplines are merely the means, not the end. The end result equals a loving, lasting and growing relationship with God!

For the Christ-follower, the goal is experiencing and expressing Christ’s character. Our spiritual routines are for the sake of knowing and loving God. We pump spiritual iron to be strong in Christ … not in ourselves. These disciplines are works of grace, not self-improvement.

            A quick dip into the Bible for a special verse may hook a relevant promise occasionally, but there is no substitute for a thorough knowledge of Scripture. Christian disciplines are the “sustained, concentrated effort” of Christian living.

An undisciplined Christian can never develop the spiritual muscle to face the formidable foes of the world … like the flesh, or the devil. Like a poorly trained athlete, he will not find himself on the winner’s platform. Paradoxically, the disciplined Christian is the freest to enjoy the full pleasures of a life of faith.

Discipline is enormously profitable. The spiritual athlete is prepared for time and eternity. But the only person who can discipline yourself is you. Seeking God in this manner is proactive godliness with the awareness that god is taking the initiative to guide you into intimacy with Himself. “Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please!” (1Timothy 4:7b “The Message”)

Jim Jack