TUESDAY So...are you ready for a workout? A spiritual workout, that is! Wondering where to start? Just like any good fitness program, the healthiest way to start is by warming up and stretching out. Break out your Bible, and read it. Take to the time to think about what you’ve reading and how it applies to your life. Talk to God about it, and take the time to listen, too. He’ll make it clear what He wants you to do, and before you know it, the focus of your life will begin to change. Check out James 1:5.
WEDNESDAY What’s next? You’ll find the answer in James 1:22-25. Get out there, and do something! Follow through on the things the Lord leads you to do. Not sure what that is? Look around. Keep talking to Him about it. He will make it clear! Is there someone you know who is lonely or who’s never heard how much Jesus loves them? Is there a way you can give of your time (or even money) to help someone in need? Could you serve someone who’s going through a difficult situation? Go on! Make your “spiritual workout” part of your everyday life.
THURSDAY If you’ve trusted Jesus as your Savior, whether you realize it or not, you’re in this “race” Paul refers to and we’ve been talking about. The question is, are you running? Or as in the story of the tortoise and the hare, are you taking a break, sitting on the sidelines, thinking you’ll catch up eventually. Don’t miss out! Get up, get going, and why not invite some other people to join you! It’s the race of a lifetime, and it doesn’t end until you face Jesus Christ in Heaven one day! Will you give it all you got?
FRIDAY Are there things that get in the way of your spiritual “fitness plan”? TV, Facebook, Instagram, video games, time with friends, the latest clothes, shoes, etc. Be careful! Just like any great athlete who gives into to the temptation to eat unhealthy foods or skimp on training, there is a high cost for the Christian who gets distracted and sidetracked by the stuff of the world. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:1-2 that in order to succeed in our “race of faith,” we have to tune out the distractions. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus – our ultimate example – and the prize of eternity in heaven with Him. He laid everything aside to come to this earth as one of us and die an unimaginable death so we could be called “children of God”!
SATURDAY And what are we running for, anyway? The recognition and approval of people here and now? Or The approval of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven one day. This is an important question for all of us to consider. Why? Because our race will look very different depending on our answer. Our goal should never be the applause of people (although sometimes that will come, too), but rather the glory and honor of the One who gave us life and purpose. The praise of people is so temporary, and they will often disappoint. But as 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 reminds us, although the praise of Jesus will come later, it’s eternal. So run...for HIM!