You Mean I Actually Have To Do Something?

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. 1 Timothy 4:8 NIV

In today’s world there is a lot of focus on our physical bodies.  Everywhere you turn there is a new way to eat, a new fad diet, or a popular workout routine.  As the wise Solomon would say, “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecc 1:9)  When one “new” thing becomes obsolete there is another “new” thing to take its place.  It’s easy to get caught up in the obsession with physical appearance.  I am as guilty as the next person, as I write this I know I’d like to lose about 20lbs.  Coming back from a vacation where physical discipline was not allowed anywhere close to the restaurants I was dining at, has left me feeling pretty unhappy with my waistline. 

As I’ve thought about the things I need to do to lose that 20lbs, I couldn’t help but wonder how much more effective I would be as a Christian if I focused on my spiritual health as much as my physical state?  Just as making the lifestyle changes to eat a more well-balanced diet or to consistently exercise takes discipline, my spiritual health requires the same.  I don’t know about you but I never hop out of bed and say,”Wow, I can’t wait to work out!” Even though I know the benefits that will come from it, my natural self does not want to do it.  My natural self wants to sit around and eat whatever I want and never gain a pound.

Just as I want to be undisciplined in my physical state I often buy into the same falsehoods about my spiritual life.  My flesh does not want to exercise the discipline of prayer or reading the bible.  What I really want is to be able to do whatever I desire with my time without reading or praying and somehow end up being a biblical scholar with no chinks in the armor of my faith.  Best buds with Jesus even though I never take the time to talk to Him.  That would be great wouldn’t it? 

Unfortunately it doesn’t take a genius to know that if you want results in anything in life you have to put effort into it to reap the rewards.  I do not advocate that salvation comes from works; it comes by faith in Jesus which is a gift of grace.  (Rom 10:9)  However, once that salvation experience has taken place maturity and growth in Christ cannot happen when there is no spiritual discipline involved.  Consistently fellowshipping with other believer’s, reading the bible, and praying are things that are often done with joy by a Christian but there are always going to be those days when you flat out don’t want to do it.  On those days if I want to obtain the benefits of a close walk with Jesus I have to press past my fleshly feelings and do the hard thing.  I have no doubt that I will see the benefits of a stronger and more healthy spiritual walk if I seek to be disciplined in the hard times when I want to give up.  The bible speaks many times about part of a believer’s character should be self-control; it is one of the fruits of the spirit listed in Galatians chapter five. 

I’m challenging myself to be more consistent and disciplined in my spiritual life, will you do the same?  In the end our physical bodies will not outlast our spirits, start feeding your spirit with the Word of God today.