A Christian Perspective

It’s all about the choices we make in life.

“By the grace given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, . . . Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.” (1 Corinthians 10-11, 16-17)

Our quality of life comes from our own decisions and from those of people whom we consider important. This mental and emotional outlook is what we call Spiritual Fitness. It is built upon God’s foundation.

Our society’s emphasis on physical fitness and other ways to benefit ourselves leads one to conclude that “do your own thing” is the best way to go. The Scripture mentioned above provides an important reminder that our “own thing” must be built on the foundation which God provides–physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

No videotape or television exercise program exists to help us keep going, but there is a way to increase the tone of our “spiritual muscles”.

Like any good physical fitness conditioning, there are “muscles” to remember and exercise regularly:

  • Patience
  • Kindness
  • Rejoicing in everybody’s good fortune
  • Perseverance in doing the right thing
  • Hope
  • Belief in God
  • Prayer

And like any good nutrition program, refraining from certain things will decrease our spiritual fat:

  • Jealousy
  • Boastfulness
  • Arrogance
  • Rudeness
  • Self-centeredness
  • Resentment
  • Irritability

 

“Exercises” for Spiritual Fitness

Beliefs and Attitude

  • Believe in God
  • Believe God Forgives You
  • Believe God’s Spirit Lives in You

Your Relationship with God

  • Read and Study the Bible
  • Believe In & Receive God’s Love
  • Love God
  • Pray and Meditate
  • Obey God
  • Cry Out to God
  • Surrender to God/Let Go
  • Abide in God’s Presence
  • Have Faith & Trust in God

How You Practice Your Faith

  • Confess Your Sins
  • Forgive
  • Attend Church/Worship with Others
  • Be in Community with Others
  • Love & Serve Others
  • Think Spiritual Thoughts/Renew Your Mind