Spiritual Workout :The Spiritual Fitness Plan

 

Day 1

Warm-Up – Setting Your Spiritual Goals

The Spiritual Fitness Plan

"Exercise thyself rather unto godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)

This week, I meditate on training in godliness. To run the race of faith well (Hebrews 12:1), I must be spiritually fit—strong, enduring, and disciplined. Just as an athlete wouldn’t say, “I want to be strong but refuse to lift weights,” it’s foolish to say, “I want godliness but won’t train for it.”

The apostle Paul uses athletic language: the Greek word “gymnaze” (γύμναζε) means to train like a gymnast.  Bodily exercise has temporary benefits, but godliness strengthens us for eternity (1 Timothy 4:8).

Just as athletes warm up before a race, we prepare our hearts for spiritual training. No one expects to run a marathon without preparation—why would we expect godliness without discipline?

The Spiritual Fitness Plan

1. Cardio for the Heart: Just as cardio conditions the physical heart, prayer and worship strengthen our spiritual heart—pumping faith through every challenge.  
2. Strength Training: Resistance builds muscle. Likewise, resisting sin and standing firm in truth (James 4:7) develop "spiritual muscles."
3. Flexibility: A stiff body injures easily. Surrendering to God’s will (Proverbs 3:5-6) keeps our souls agile in life’s twists.

Godliness is reverence, obedience, and trust—a full-body workout for the soul. It reduces stress (faith), boosts joy (endurance), and renews the mind (flexibility). Let’s train for it!

Reflection:

• What’s my weakest area: spiritual cardio (prayer), strength (resisting sin), or flexibility (trust)?

·         What distractions (laziness, excuses ) hinder my training?

• How can I mirror an athlete’s discipline today?

Topical meditation

May 25^th, 2020