20
Jun 11
Fit For Purpose
In Jeremiah 11, the Lord warns Jeremiah that He is going to judge Israel for her unfaithfulness. Jeremiah responds, complaining that the ungodly seem to live a life of ease and the wicked prosper. The Lord’s challenge to Jeremiah was, “So, Jeremiah, if you’re worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses? And if you can’t keep your wits during times of calm, what’s going to happen when troubles break loose …?” (Jeremiah 12:5 The Message Bible).
I believe this challenge from the Lord is still relevant to us today. In these last days, we must be ready for two things: a great harvest and great hostility. If the harvest you’ve been praying for came to pass: Would you be willing to disciple and lead them to a place of spiritual maturity? When the persecution of Christians comes to America, what will you do? Will you be ready to stand for Jesus at any cost?
A serious athlete takes stock of their physical fitness, and we must learn to examine ourselves to ensure that we’re fit for God’s purposes.
- 1. Attitude (Ephesians 4:22-24)
If you’ve ever watched “The Biggest Loser,” you know that each contestant reaches the point of “That’s it—I’ve had enough! It’s time to change!” This attitude change motivates them through the grueling workouts, food cravings, and sheer exhaustion. We must choose daily to renew our minds in Christ Jesus, rejecting apathy, frustration, and fear of failure.
- 2. Diet (Mark 7:20-23)
Just as diet plays a vital role in physical fitness, our spiritual diet plays a vital role in our spiritual fitness. If we gained weight eating too many potato chips or cookies, would we be surprised? So, we shouldn’t be surprised if we don’t sense God’s Presence when we spend countless hours on the Internet or watching TV. What goes in—always comes out.
- Exercise (Philippians 2:12, 13)
Any trainer will tell you that while eating a healthy diet is important, you still need exercise. We become spiritually fat when all we do is receive—real spiritual fitness requires “working out our salvation.” In addition to the daily disciplines of prayer and Bible reading, share Jesus with your neighbors or go on a mission trip. Get out of your comfort zone and develop spiritual muscles you never knew existed.
Bottom Line: We must keep ourselves spiritually fit for the days ahead.
Adam McCain.
This was an awesome note. I copied and posted on FB. I am now a Youth Pastor in Oregon. The one thing I know I am thankful for is a father who taught me this lesson when I was young. I was able to notice a difference in my actions based on the music I listened to at night. If I listened to more Christian based music, I was more responsive to my parents. However, The more oldies and junk I listened to, the more rebellious and easily angered I became. Thankfully my father listened to God, and was able to teach me through the word that what you fill your heart with… comes out your mouth.
Thank you for this note. For I know America is in need of a Great Awakening, and we all must be ready to endure the race ahead!
Thank you,
Joshua Hendricks