SPRING INTO FITNESS (BODY and SPIRIT)

Today it’s cold in the Midwest even though the calendar says it is spring. It may be chilly but I know that summer will be here soon and I can’t hide behind my jackets and bulky winter clothes anymore.  Do you dread coming out of your camouflage?

Renewed Commitment

Since we have more daylight, I want to be outdoors enjoying activities, not on the sofa watching TV with my favorites snacks. This is crunch time and I have to make a renewed commitment to exercise on a regular schedule and make it a priority!

Exercise and Healthy Eating 

It’s not only about how I look but also how I feel health wise. Every doctor and health advisor will tell you that exercise and right eating is the key to good health. Barring any health issues, there’s nothing like feeling great because you are taking proper care of yourself.

Spiritual Exercise 

While exercise and care for the body is important, we don’t want to forget or lessen the importance of exercise for our spirit.  To bring out the best in you, 1 Tim 4:8 gives us the reminder: “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.”  (NIV)

Spiritual Eating

As in the natural, we can reap great benefits if we apply spiritual exercise and spiritual eating. We exercise spiritually by spending quality time in prayer, fellowshipping with other believers. Reading and studying the word of God is like to eating a healthy diet. (Matt 4:4, Isa 55:1, 1 Pet 2:2)

Physical and spiritual exercise has some similarities in that we know it’s good for us but we sometimes don’t want to do it.  It requires making a commitment to the discipline, then making it a priority in your life.

Consistency 

Consistency is the secret to success. Both types of exercise should be a lifestyle, but as Paul indicated when writing to Timothy - strive for spiritual exercise, which will give you the benefits of looking good (within) and feeling good (joy and peace) and that means less stress, giving us a physical advantage.

Abundant Benefits 

Becoming spiritually fit benefits us emotionally, mentally, physically, financially and ETERNALLY. With the extra bonus of a life blooming with the fruit and gifts of the Spirit.  It’s time to get fit. Do you have an exercise and healthy eating plan for your body and spirit?