A Spiritual Workout
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 (ESV)
If we had to rate ourselves on our spiritual fitness, what number would we truthfully assign to our daily routine? My numbers would be all over the place. Sometimes I do very well, other times I fall short. I am not spiritually flabby nor am I in excellent spiritual health. It all depends on the day. But it shouldn’t! Barbranda Lumpkins Walls (Mornings with Jesus) shares how daily distractions often keep her from meeting Jesus every day.
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As my husband and I waited at the airport to board an early morning flight, I noticed a woman in a corner away from the crowd. She was in full workout gear, exercising with barbells and resistance bands. I watched her stretch, jump, and squat for at least 30 minutes. This sister was serious about getting in her workout that day! It was evident that she wasn’t going to let the time or place stop her.
As much as I’d like to be, I’m not always as devoted to getting in my daily spiritual workout, which includes prayer, reading scripture, journaling, and sitting quietly listening for God. Some mornings I let my list of to-do items—errands, chores, salon appointments, doctor appointments, meetings, and more—take precedence over spending time with Jesus. There also have been times when I hit the snooze button instead of rolling out of bed to meet my Savior, even after I hear Him clearly telling me to rise and shine. I’ve found that when I fail to seek the things above and don’t exercise the spiritual disciplines I know to follow, I suffer for it.
When I do fall off the wagon, I seek Jesus’s forgiveness and get back on track to build my spiritual muscles and resistance to wrong-doing. Like that woman in the airport dedicated to her exercise routine, I, too, must be dedicated to my workout with Jesus, no matter what happens or where I am.
FAITH STEP: Make a list of what distracts you from spending time with Jesus. Write ways you can remove those distractions.
Loving Lord, thank You for always being there for us. Help us to make You a daily priority as we complete our much-needed spiritual workout. AMEN.