I am a great one for starting exercise programs. My basement is full of equipment: a treadmill and a Total Gym. Recently I read the fine print and discovered it is not enough to own these machines, to really benefit I actually have to use them! Imagine that.
I gathered that equipment with the best of intentions. I needed to lose some weight. I needed to strengthen my heart, lower my blood pressure, lower my cholesterol, fight my diabetes and even look good at the beach. The real challenge was (is) getting up in the morning, putting on my sweats and getting to work.
The same is true of our spiritual life. We all recognize the value of having a relationship with God and His family. We know the benefits and blessings of being a Christian. What we struggle with are motivation (what is driving me?) and maintenance (what keeps me going?).
The fear of going to hell can be a powerful motivator, but the Apostle John wrote, “Perfect love casts out fear.” It is not the fear of hell that should motivate us, but the joy of being counted as God’s friend.
James, the brother of Jesus says, “‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’ — and he was called a friend of God,” (James 2:23). Are you God’s friend?
If so, it’s time to dust off the spiritual exercise equipment:
- Pray conversationally
- Listen to God through -Bible Study and meditation
- Simplicity
- Solitude
- Service
- Confession
- Celebration in Worship
It’s time to dust off the spiritual exercise equipment and get moving!