Building Muscle

Unless you were born with a naturally athletic body, you know that if you fail to engage in a moderate amount of physical activity, your body will eventually turn flabby. Getting into “shape” depending on age, body type, eating habits among other things, can be relatively easy for some or more difficult for others. After months of low physical activity, I decided that enough was enough. I had to get back moving, so I can function properly.

This weekend, I took the plunge. I turned on Jillian Michaels and was determined not to let her break me down.  Because it was a simple program, I was able to do many of the exercises with relative ease; others, I had to push through a little more.  It was all good that afternoon and that night. Perhaps, I walked away a little over confident, because the next day I felt muscles I forgot I had! But while my muscles may be underdeveloped – they are always here. If I stay committed to a regiment by doing strength, cardio, and flexibility training, then I will see the results. It will not be an overnight process.

Photo by Ian Espinosa on Unsplash
If we could test our spiritual fitness, how would we perform? Would we have more fat than lean muscle? Maybe some are heavy lifters or power lifters. Maybe some need to develop or re-develop spiritual muscle.  How? You already have a spotter through Christ Jesus. Allow Him to carry your cares (weight) as instructed in Psalm 55:22. We draw strength from one another, get connected and/or strengthen relationships with other believers.

Avoid spiritual junk. In 1 Timothy 4: 7-8, Paul tells Timothy to: Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.  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. Likewise, as instructed in Ephesians 4:31-32: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Results happen when we are consistent in:
  1. Communicate with God – Pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
  2. Read the word of God – Study to show yourself approved to God so you can rightly divide the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) 
  3. Fast – Humble yourself before the Lord to set the oppressed free and break yokes (Isaiah 58
  4. Rest and recovery – Take time to rest in the Lord (Matthew 11:28)

This list is in no means exhaustive. Feel free to add more in the comments section below.

Read also Ephesians 6:10-20.

©2019 by Antoinette V. Barber

Comments

Post a Comment