SPIRITUALLY FLABBY?

Just like our physical muscles need to be exercised to stay strong and toned so we need to exercise our 'spiritual muscles' so we do not become spiritual weaklings. You can not expect to look good physically if you do not take care of yourself by eating right and proper exercise. You can not wish a good physique into being. In similar fashion we can not sleep on the Bible and expect to absorb its knowledge. It takes reading it and studying it to know what is inside. There is a saying that 'going into a church will not make you into a Christian anymore than going into a garage will make you into a car.' Just sitting there is nice. Check that block off for the week. But did you get anything from the message and do you have a desire to open up the Bible the other 6 days? Do you just open your Bible on Sunday when the minister,rabbi, or priest tells you what to read or do you make a quiet time alone with him each day a priority? This is the only way to strengthen those 'spiritual muscles'.

Jeremiah 15:16 says "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty." Are God's words your delight? Would you rather read the newspaper, magazine, or a book instead of the Bible? You will never become spiritually strong by just attending church one hour per week. Just like you will not have a toned body without fat and flab, unless you make the effort to work out, run, or some other form of cardiovascular exercise. You can not just wish it into existence. It takes effort, time and a change of habits and lifestyle sometimes.

1 Peter 2:2 says "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." Do you crave the Bible? 1 Corinthians 3:2 says "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready". Babes in Christ or spiritually unfit 'flabby Christians' are both conditions you need to improve upon to be strong in the Lord. 2 Timothy 2:15 says "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."  1 Timothy 4:7 says "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly." There is that word 'train' indicating putting forth some effort. You will not know the truth until you open up the pages of the Bible.

1 Corinthians 9:24 tells us "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Being a runner and one who has run in many races in the past I know you do have to train for the type of race you are going to run if you expect to do well and hope to not get injured. In similar fashion you must train to be strong spiritually by studying God's word, the Bible.

Ephesians 6:10 is a good verse to end on and it says "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."

PRAYER: Lord I want to be a mature Christian and I want to desire to strengthen my 'spiritual muscles' each and every day. Many excuses may come my way as to why I do not have time for reading the Bible or a devotion but help me realize that the enemy does not want me to go to the 'spiritual gym' but he wants me to be weak and powerless. I with your help Lord will make this a priority in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.