It’s now mid-February and although I didn’t set a New Year’s resolution, the desire to ‘get in shape’ is still prevalent on my mind.

I’ve been walking, running and getting my steps in. I watch my calories and meal prep (okay I actually only meal prepped once but I sure did feel pretty healthy that one time.)

I use apps to count my calories and track my activity and I must say it takes some honest effort.

Initially (when you’ve been out of shape for some time like I have) it’s tough! Your lifestyle has to change, you can’t eat all of the things that were so good but soooo bad for you and you have be diligent about exercising and eating right if you want to see a change.

As I was on one of my daily walks I realized, there are so many things in our lives that require us to be diligent and focused if we want to see positive results and the most important is not the walk for our health but the walk for our soul.

We put so much emphasis on our health and well-being but often neglect our spiritual well-being. We end up becoming ‘out-of-shape’ Christians who are stagnant and spiritually unhealthy.

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” Revelation 3:15-16

God clearly reveals how He feels towards those who are lukewarm.

Just like with our health, it’s easy to just coast in our walk with the Lord, especially when we’re not feeling all that bad.

We tend to think ‘Sure I’m a little out of shape but I don’t have any health problems; I’m not obese and I only have chocolate cake every other day – what’s the big deal?’

Translate that into, ‘Sure I don’t read the Bible that often and yeah I may skip out on church most of the time but God knows my heart and besides, my life seems to be blessed; I’m not all that bad – I only commit minor sins every other day — what’s the big deal?’

That’s exactly the way sin creeps in and how Satan subtly attacks!

It’s when we’re not persistent in seeking God and when our heart is no longer a burning flame but a mild flicker that we’re most vulnerable.

Just like a muscle that must be continually conditioned, so too must your faith. 

It’s in our contemplation that our condemnation happens.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10​

There is verse after verse about being steadfast (steadfast: firm and unwavering in purpose, loyalty or resolve.) 

It’s when your out on the field and on the track that God can move through you in mighty ways. (Ephesians 3:20)  It starts with one step at a time, the trick is to not stop; whether you stumble or grow weary, never stop! Over time your endurance will grow strong.

Stop & Reflect: How much effort do you put into your spiritual health? Have you found yourself going from steadfast to stagnant or from burning hot to lukewarm?   If so, it’s time to get back into shape. 

God promises that ‘those who put their trust in Him will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint.’ (Isaiah 40:31)

 

Did today’s post speak to you?  I’d love to hear your thoughts, feel free to share below. 

Thank you for visiting and God bless. 

Anita Marie