Exercise is an activity that some love and others loathe. It is rare to find someone who expresses a mediocre sentiment about something that demands time, intense energy, and sustained effort. This is true of exercise and other types of growth, including spiitual growth.
Part of what makes any exercise program more effective is visualizing the benefits of what we gain versus the temporary nature of what we lose. Not only does this occur when we do physical exercise, but it also happens when we are undergirding our spiritual growth. As it is in our natural experience of daily life, we can find truth to apply spiritual goals and development.
Exercising spiritual habits before the day of trouble is a practice that will stretch, strengthen, and support new as well as seasoned believers. While we may not always be energized to work out the challenge of crucifying the flesh nature, there are immeasurable benefits. We don’t do it just because it’s wise, but rather as a loving response to a generous Father.
Though difficulty may precipitate some of our growth, working on our relationship with God is a daily investment that is worth the spiritual workout. Although it isn’t the only part of our lives, we must prioritize it as our choice to follow Jesus leverages the weightiest impact on every part of our natural and spiritual person.
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:62, NIV
Reinforce
Practice may not necessarily make perfect, but it will reinforce what we know. Repetitive movements characterize physical exercise. In strength training, each muscle group is tested by weight or resistance.
Although we encounter obstacles that hamper our forward movement, we develop persistence in applying our efforts. This is true not only in prayer but also in the practical steps required to reach our goals. Jesus demonstrated this principle, encouraging His disciples and us, to keep asking, seeking, and knocking until doors opened (Luke 11:5-13).
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. – 1 Timothy 4:8, NIV
Rest
After a taxing workout session, it is important to stretch and rest our muscle groups. In life, rest affords time for stillness and downshifting from the striving that wearies us. Pausing in solitude with the Holy Spirit reminds us of our elevated position in Christ and affords us a heavenly perspective (Colossians 3:1-2).
In the Lord’s presence, we unburden ourselves (Matthew 11:28-30). Here, the Holy Spirit silences external distractions, stills turbulent places in our hearts, and speaks through the Word.
Repair
In rest, muscles repair micro tears, enhancing tone and definition. Internally, rest speaks to our need for the Holy Spirit to repair and rebuild. Often, we don’t know we need healing and strength for what remains hidden in our hearts.
He repairs brokenness in rest, but wounds don’t always surface as emotional pain or mental distress. Where we have adapted personality and habits to avoid or guard ourselves against reminders of past pain, we need the Spirit of the Lord to soften calloused hearts so He can heal what hurts and what we’ve hardened.
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. – Ezekiel 11:19, NIV
Rebuild
Even as our bodies rest and repair after a series of repetitions, they eliminate toxins and retain what is essential to rebuild after exposure to intentional stress. Rebuilding demands that we assess our foundation and consider what to retain and what to release.
What we constructed in previous seasons may not fit the present. It is important to be self-aware, but true spiritual strength emerges from sensitivity to the Holy Spirit who knows our end from the beginning. When we follow, we won’t miss essential steps in our growth and development.
Next Steps for Spiritual Growth
Wherever you are in your spiritual growth journey, realize and remember that God regards you with kindness. He causes all things to work together for your good (Romans 8:28).
Like the workout we described earlier, it may not feel good in the moment. Yet, what awaits on the other side is better than what you are experiencing in between. Search this site to select a counselor, schedule a meeting, and begin your journey to become fit for the kingdom of God.
“Woman laughing”, Courtesy of Unsplash, Unsplash.com, CC0 License
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Kate Motaung: CuratorKate Motaung is the Senior Writer, Editor, and Content Manager for a multi-state company. She is the author of several books including Letters to Grief, 101 Prayers for Comfort in Difficult Times, and A Place to Land: A Story of Longing and Belonging...
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