The Ultimate Prize: Striving for Spiritual Fitness
As I gazed at a recent sports section photo, I was struck by the raw determination etched on the faces of five athletes sprinting towards the finish line. Their bodies taut, their eyes fixed on the goal, they embodied the Apostle Paul’s life philosophy – pressing on to win the ultimate prize.
A Life of Purpose
Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us to forget what lies behind and strain towards what’s ahead, just like those athletes. But what does this mean for us as believers? According to the Life Application Bible, our goal is to train ourselves to run the race of life, keeping our eyes fixed on Christ and avoiding distractions. By doing so, we’ll win a reward in Christ’s kingdom.
The Christian Life: A Fight Worth Fighting
Living the Christian life demands every ounce of our energy. We must forget the past and strain for the goal, knowing that Christ promises eternity with Him at the finish line. The Christian life is a fight against evil forces from without and temptations from within. But if we stay true to God, He promises an end, a rest, and a crown.
Spiritual Exercises for a Fit Faith
Just as our bodies require regular exercise to stay fit, our spirits need consistent spiritual exercises to thrive. The acronym GROWTH outlines six essential practices:
- Go to God in prayer daily (John 15:7)
- Read God’s Word daily (Acts 17:11)
- Obey God moment by moment (John 14:21)
- Witness for Christ by your life and words (Matthew 4:19)
- Trust God for every detail of your life (1Peter 5:7)
- Allow the Holy Spirit to control and empower your daily life and witness (Galatians 16,17; Acts 1:8)
A Daily Workout for Spiritual Fitness
I challenge you to incorporate these spiritual exercises into your daily routine. Press on to win the heavenly goal. May we become spiritually fit, attracting others to Christ and reaping dividends in this life and the next.
A Prayer for Spiritual Fitness
Father, forgive us for often prioritizing physical exercise over spiritual growth. Thank You for promising to help us become spiritually fit. Help us make these exercises a daily habit, that we may press on to win the ultimate prize. Amen.
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