SPIRITUALLY FIT
The Olympics will be starting in China in a few days. Athletes have been training long and hard for this opportunity to compete. The Christian life also requires hard work, self-denial, and preparation. Prayer, Bible study, fasting, and worship help us to run the race with vigor and stamina. Spiritual progress depends upon training diligently.
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (1 Corinthians 9:13-27, NIV.)
In this race, the Christian's goal is to please God, and keep our eyes on Christ. At times we should give up something good in order to do what God wants, and not become sidetracked or slowed down. Our denial is nothing compared to the eternal, imperishable, eternal reward that will be ours. When Paul talks about being disqualified for the prize, he does not mean that he could lose his salvation, but that he could lose his privilege of telling others about Christ. It may be easy to tell our children and others about Christ, but we ought to also take our own advice, and be careful to practice what we preach.
At times we must give ourselves spiritual checkups, just as we get physical checkups. This means looking for Christ's presence and power in our lives. Then we will know if we are true Christians or merely imposters.
"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test?"
(2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV)
Spiritual health and godliness, are even more important than physical health.
"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 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." (1Timothy 4:7,8 NIV)
In today's society a lot of emphasis is put on physical training, but spiritual health (godliness) is even more important. Our bodies are susceptible to disease and injury, but faith can bring us out of these tragedies. In training to be godly, we must develop our faith by using our God-given abilities in the service of the church.
"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1Timothy 4:14-16 NIV)
Talented athletes lose their abilities if they do not constantly exercise their muscles, and we can also lose our spiritual gifts if we do not use them. Our talents are improved by exercise. Do not bury your talent. As Christians, as members of the body of Christ, the church, we must watch our life and persevere, in this way we save both ourselves and our children. We must be on guard against any sin in our lives that can destroy us.
