For Every Mountain…

(Step 3—Get Fit)

 

Let’s keep going with our “Spiritual Mountain Climbing Training” by learning how to Get Fit!  What in the world do we mean???

 

Physical mountain climbing requires superior fitness and endurance skills because it is an extremely demanding physical activity. You can't say to yourself, “I am going to start mountain climbing today.”  (especially if you’ve been a couch potato)  You must begin at the beginning.  Here are some Get Fit ideas for physical mountain climbing to help you get started:

• Walking and hiking (increase the difficulty)
• Running and jogging (will build up your endurance)
• Weightlifting and weightlifting while walking or running with weights in your backpack or held in your hands while you go uphill
• Rock Climbing Wall training can be very useful (indoor and outdoor)
• Skiing and even snowboarding (can be used for your return)
• Stretching to help with your flexibility

As you can see, anything that improves your strength and endurance should be done because these are the two indispensable fitness skills you will need for mountain climbing.

Now, how can we apply these physical truths to spiritual truths?  Alright, here we go.  How can we Get Fit spiritually to climb our spiritual mountains?  Spiritual mountain climbing requires superior fitness and endurance because we will be climbing on the rough side of the mountain.  Well to be honest, you’re not going to be able to climb the smooth side.  So, let’s first discuss what we mean by spiritual fitness. 

Being spiritually fit is the same as being mature in Christ.  The Bible tells us in Hebrews 5:12-14 that we are to be mature, skilled partakers of the Word of God, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.    For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

We become mature when we no longer drink milk but eat the meat of the Word. To get to the meat of the Word, you must be taught.  Unfortunately, many people are under the impression that if they attend church on Sunday only that they are mature or spiritually fit.  It’s like going to your “Jazzercise” class to socialize, eat and only do half of the exercises.  Won’t get fit that way!  You won’t get fit just listening to a sermon (or pretending to) and only worshiping God when your “jam” is sung.

So, if you want to Get Fit, you must exercise your spiritual muscles.  You can do this by attending weekly Bible study, attending a mid-week service, joining a small group ministry, get a prayer partner and/or serve your community.  In other words, going to church for 1 hour a week or twice a month will not get you spiritually fit.

 

The second thing we need to Get Fit is endurance.  Did you know that endurance is a spiritual trait?  Spiritual endurance or perseverance is a quality of a spiritually fit Christian.  Hebrews 10:36 says, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:”

Spiritual endurance or perseverance is a strong indicator of a conquering Christian.  Why?  Because their strength and confidence comes from God. So, no matter what difficulties are going on in their life, they may bend but they won’t break.  “Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary.  His understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”  (Isaiah 40:28-31)  Now that’s a Get Fit Christian!

If you desire to have a healthy relationship with God, then you will have to put forth some effort.  You cannot wish it into existence or try to ride on your mama’s skirt.  You got to get you own!  “…Train yourself for a holy life!  While physical training has some value, training in holy living is useful for everything…” (1 Timothy 4:7-8)  What does that mean?  Get your workout in everyday if you really want to Get Fit.  I like how “The Message” translation puts it in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, “I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.”

To have a Get Fit faith, you have to get moving.  It’s not going to come while you are sitting on your “blessed asset” daydreaming or checking Facebook during the Sunday morning sermon.  You have to live the Word not just hear it.  “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”  (James 1:22)

Next time, we’ll discuss Step 4:  Acquiring the right gear.