Spiritually Fit

An underlying desire we all have in common is that we are all looking for something to rest in. Even those that are always busying themselves like Martha in the Bible always have the thought before them that if they do just one more thing they will then be able to rest. During the holidays, like today on Independence Day, we look forward to setting work aside and just spending time resting with family and friends before going back to our daily routines of work.

The Apostle Paul also sees life as busy. One of the pictures he compares it to is like being in a race. A race for an incorruptible prize. A race of endurance as in a marathon. As in any race we are strained physically, mentally, and even spiritually. He encourages us to not become weary in doing well (Galatians 6v9 & 2 Thess. 3v13) but also to run with patience and endurance (Hebrews 12v1). Paul shows us how to do this.

First, by surrendering our sin to Christ. Laying it at His feet in obedience to Him. Paul says it this way in Hebrews 12v1," let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us". Paul mentions many types of sins in 1Corinthians such as sexual sins, thievery, drunkenness and so on. While these sins absolutely do alienate us from the salvation and blessings of Christ, they are often not the sins most difficult to point out due to being so openly displayed on the surface for all to see. Paul goes MUCH deeper in 2 Timothy 3. He writes, "For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these." He's writing about the deep sin of pride. Other writers in the Scriptures mention it as haughtiness, scoffing, insolence. He's encouraging us to be humble. To think of others. This is why the second greatest commandment is so connected to the first. Because when you are not a lover of the things of God, these are the deep things that will grow in your heart toward others.

Paul encourages, as he did, to keep our eyes on the prize of the incorruptible crown (1 Corinthians 9v25/ 2 Timothy 4v8). Spend time resting in Christ before running the race for the day. Read His Word. Meditate on it and write it down in a journal. Speak to Him in prayer even when you're angry. He's God and can handle it. He'll even show you why your anger is wrong being towards Him when it is.