Exercise Your Faith: Joyful Living Requires Spiritual Fitness

Getting spiritually fit is hard, but so is living as a spiritual invalid. The apostle Paul said spiritual exercise leads to eternal rewards (1 Timothy 4:8). But, how do we exercise our faith? How do we grow stronger in Christ using the power of His Word?

Work Out with Jesus

Jesus said His yoke is easy and His load is light. If your life feels heavy, something may be out of line. Check out The Message’s paraphrase:

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly (Matthew 11:28-30).

Instead of trying to carry everything ourselves, we need to walk with Jesus and let Him do the heavy lifting.

Get Honest

God cares about our doubts and struggles, so be honest with Him. He is not surprised by weariness, weakness, or wrongs. He says, “Come closer so I can comfort you and then show you My perspective.”

We must also take care to deliver the right Word at the right time to hurting friends. Scripture tells us to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Healing words are well-timed, thoughtful words, not trite, tired phrases.

Grow Stronger with Others

We need each other to be spiritually healthy and to see the full beauty of God. Unity strengthens individual faith and our collective witness to the world.

Spiritual fitness has a purpose beyond a better life for yourself. God calls you to help the weak and share others’ burdens. You can do this by first taking ownership of your personal growth, and then you can help others by encouraging them with truth and love.

…