Exercise Definition Closeup Shows Fitness Activity And Working Out

This is an interesting question and came about when my small group leader lugged in a “huge” piece of exercise equipment to our small group meeting. She had to even get our maintenance supervisor to help her figure out how to put it together because it had been so long since she had used it. It sat as the focal point in the middle of the group and began the conversation of what did we have in our house that was gathering dust or collecting clothes and not being put to use. Why was that? We all know exercise is important to our health, we feel better when we are in shape, yet many of us consistently have big ideas about getting in shape, fork over the cash for various pieces of home equipment and then it sits…

Can the same be said of our efforts at staying spiritually fit? How often does our Bible sit unopened by our bed, our prayer time becomes rote, our service grudgingly performed…

I think you get the point. So the larger question is: what has worked to keep you physically fit and how can that translate to being spiritually fit? Most of us were able to say that we were most successful when we were part of a class, a member of a gym, or had an exercise partner. The same could be said of staying spiritually fit. When we are part of a group keeping us accountable, encouraging us to try again when we falter, and just generally being there for each other, it is much easier to go the distance! I want to thank my small group leader for this visual that will remind me every time I walk past my elliptical, ski machine, exercise ball, weights, etc. to ask how am I doing spiritually and am I involved in my group helping myself and others in the group to stay spiritually fit!?!