Stretching our Spiritual Muscles

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.  -2 Peter 3:18 (KJV) 

I sometimes think that for a 50-year-old man I am in fairly good shape.  I try to eat right, exercise, watch my weight, and keep a positive attitude.  I read recently that a good gauge of a man’s health is if he can do 30 push-ups.  Now, I probably will not do this if you ask me to, but yes, I can drop to the floor and accomplish this seemingly impossible feat.  I thought I was in good shape, that is until my son invited me to try a new workout program he has started.  The P-90X workout system is a daily routine watched on DVD, which takes you step-by-step through the program.  The other day I attempted one of the workouts.  I thought I was going to die.  This is a giant leap upward from what I am used to in my normal workout routine. 

I share this because many followers of Christ make the mistake of believing they are fine as they are.  However, if they are honest they will find they are spiritually out of shape.  Daily prayer time, if practiced at all, is hurried, personal Bible study amounts to a few verses a day, and there is seldom time blocked out in their daily schedules for quiet and extended meditation on God’s holy Word.  I heard a pastor once say that for many of us our prayer time amounts to only skimming the surface.  Indeed greater depth is needed and makes all of the difference.   

The Word of God challenges us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  This growth process only happens through consistent and dedicated time with God.  Strengthening takes place as our spiritual muscles stretch and grows stronger.  Take a good look at your spiritual condition.  Is your daily prayer and Bible study time hurried and perfunctory?  If so, now is the time to make changes.  Start rising earlier to seek the Lord in prayer.  Block out time in your schedule to spend reading and meditating on God’s Word.  Guard this daily time with God zealously lest our busy lives crowd it out. 

You will begin to see a positive difference in your life as you walk in the fullness of Christ each day.  Seek the Lord today.  He will be waiting for you.