Spiritually Fit....

By Stewart Whittemore

"For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

As we head into the New Year, many will make a resolution to get into spiritual shape. Paul reminds us that as we keep our spirit in shape it is "profitable" for this life and for the life to come.

Some sixteen years ago now, and shortly before my suicide attempt, I was religiously working out physically three times a week. I was probably in the best physical condition of my life then. But, I had no relationship with God. Jesus was not part of my life. Spiritually I was anemic, to say the least, and it almost cost me my life. But by the grace and the love from God, when I did turn to Him in those last seconds, He gave me new life that I plan to take care of both spiritually and physically.

Staying spiritually fit takes discipline like exercising physically helps keep our bodies in shape. Paul shares with us in 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22 some spiritual disciplines which can help us in developing our "godliness" needed for a strong faith. He says: "...follow that which is good, both among (ourselves), and to all men" when we:

1. "Rejoice always."
We can do this when we remember that God is in control. (Job 1:12)

2. "Pray without ceasing."
God answers prayer. He is waiting for us to humble ourselves in prayer. Unceasing prayer is being in constant contact with God throughout our days.

3. " In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Like silver that is refined and gold that is tested, we do not become pure until the hard and crusty surface is removed. (Zechariah 13:9) We learn to be thankful for all things.

4. "Do not quench the Spirit."
Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit. (John 14:16) We submit to His help so that God can work in us "both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13

5. "Do not despise prophecies."
The Bible is our source for truth. We live to "please God" and will be lost without it. (Romans 8:8)

6. "Test all things; hold fast to what is good."
We test all things through the Bible. Jesus said; "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

7. "Abstain from every form of evil."
We are called to "walk the talk.” Saint Thomas Aquinas said, "Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words."

We have the daily opportunity to apply God words in our lives and live in "godliness.”

Stewart Whittemore writes from Grants Pass, Oregon. stewart33@earthlink.net