EXAMPLE OF FITNESS!
Sometimes when seeing people out for a jog or run, noting how fit or thin they look, we might conclude they are not in need of exercise. However, the fact they are regularly out working off the calories is the reason they are in such good shape.
Though it was over seven years ago [21 years at this reprinting] that I determined to shed about thirty pounds, I still have people ask me, “How did you lose the weight?” Though many are aware of my regular walking routine, there are those who might be hoping to hear an easy solution; one that does not require strenuous exercise or perhaps even change of eating habits. When inquiring about “the secret” to my success, some may not really want to hear that I cut in half the amount of food I was eating and considerably increased my exercise level. What they might prefer to hear about is some wonder diet drug to take or a liquid solution to drink so they don’t have to change their life habits. The reality, however, is that I made changes relative to eating and exercise I must continue to maintain to keep from going back to where I was.
It takes work. It takes effort. And the same is true regarding our spiritual health! There is no godliness drink. There is no righteousness injection. There is no wisdom pill. It takes time. It takes effort. It takes continual focus. However, some seem to desire spirituality without changing what they feed on or the manner in which they live. They want to continue doing all the things they have done before, failing to realize that will only stifle spiritual progress. Just like with shedding pounds to benefit physical health, we can’t think we can still grow spiritually when we have not changed what we are feasting the mind and heart on or the activities in which we engage.
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy he urged him. . .
“(11) But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11 ESV)
Among those things Paul urged Timothy to pursue or go after were “righteousness” and “godliness.” To be spiritually fit we must continue this pursuit! We cannot grow stronger spiritually sitting still where we are.
In Peter’s second letter he exhorted those to whom he wrote. . .
“(5) For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, (6) and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, (7) and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. (8) For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8 ESV)
There is no substitute for effort! The Greek word used by Peter here is “spoude” which primarily implies “haste, zeal, diligence, hence means earnest care, carefulness.” [source: W.E. Vine’s Expository Dict. Of N.T. Words] The New King James Version reads: “giving all diligence”. As Peter began his list, the first thing he mentioned to supplement or add to faith was “virtue” which has to do with the very character or essence of our life. We must also spend more time in the Word of God in order to gain knowledge for spiritual strengthening.
A few days ago a gentleman stopped me and mentioned how seeing me walking on a regular basis had inspired him to begin walking and he had already lost thirty pounds. He thanked me for my example. How wonderful if our spiritual habits and health would do the same thing; inspire others to make changes in their life that would lead to godly and righteous living. Just as some people may look at a very physically fit person and say, “I want to be like them”, so should we live that others might see the benefits of our being spiritually fit. Like Paul we ought to be the example others need while at the same time elevating the focus ultimately to the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Have a great day INSPIRING OTHERS TOWARD GODLINESS!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
