In our Homeowners Association (HOA), there’s a community room that houses more than just weights and exercise equipment; it holds memories of camaraderie and life lessons. It’s a place where my two older sons and I often gather to work out, bonding over more than just bench presses and dumbbells. In this room, I’ve discovered powerful parallels between our physical workouts and the spiritual journey we all undertake.
Recently, my sons decided they wanted to witness firsthand just how strong their old man was. With an air of excitement and a dash of friendly competition, we set out to answer the age-old question: “Dad, how much can you bench?” As I lay down on the bench, loaded the barbell, and pushed with all my might, my sons watched in awe. To them, I was a picture of strength, a symbol of determination. However, deep down, I knew that my present strength was but a glimmer of my former self, back when I diligently committed to regular workouts.
This experience at the gym led me to reflect on the ebb and flow of life’s seasons and the valuable lessons they bring. It reminded me that physical strength, much like spiritual strength, requires consistent effort. Just as I needed to remain diligent in my workouts to maintain my physique, I also needed spiritual exercise to stay strong in my faith.
August marked a swim challenge that beckoned me to the pool, challenging me to complete 15 miles. I accepted the challenge with enthusiasm, and by month’s end, I had reached my goal. Yet, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my college days when I swam those 15 miles in just a week. It was a stark reminder that, like our physical endurance, our spiritual resilience can diminish over time if not consistently nurtured.
My journey in physical fitness mirrors the spiritual path we all walk. Just as consistent exercise is essential to maintaining physical strength and endurance, daily spiritual practices such as reading the Bible, attending church, and prayer are vital for sustaining our faith. Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV) reminds us: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
A few years ago, my son Evan expressed his desire to train for track. Every day after school, we would run around the neighborhood, striving to improve our times. He made great progress, but as life got busier, our routine waned. Recently, he admitted he felt exhausted while playing soccer and needed to practice more. The message was clear: without consistent effort, progress fades, whether on the track or in our spiritual journey.
In the Christian life, it’s no different. We need consistency in spiritual exercise to stay in top shape. My three sons, attending Christian schools, engage in weekly Bible memory verses. They’ve become proficient, even surpassing my own memorization abilities. It’s a humbling reminder that I too need to get back into spiritual shape.
So, here’s the call to action for all of us: just as we wouldn’t expect to bench-press our former max after a long hiatus from the gym, we shouldn’t expect our spiritual strength to remain intact without consistent spiritual exercise. Let’s commit to reading the Bible daily, attending church regularly, and dedicating time to prayer. Let’s memorize scripture and build our spiritual endurance. In doing so, we’ll stand strong against the temptations and challenges that come our way, just as we would in the gym. Remember, spiritual strength requires consistent training.
Conform to Jesus 
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