CAPA Corner: Getting Fit in 2014

     Three months ago my wife and I joined a fitness club in Central.  We are enjoying working out together 3-4 times a week.  I am so glad to be getting the exercise I know that I need.  My vocation, as a pastor, doesn’t lend itself to exercising regularly with my extended times of study for preaching and teaching and with visitations.  I have to make a conscious effort and commitment to physical fitness.  My wife’s and my goal is to keep working out so that we can stay physically fit in 2014.  Getting and staying physically fit is something the LORD expects us to do.  We have one body that we are stewards over and the LORD expects us to take good care of our body; exercising and eating well is something we all should do.

     The Bible is also clear that we need to get and stay spiritually fit.  As a matter of fact, our spiritual fitness is even more important than our physical fitness, even though we should still be concerned for both.  Consider the words of 1 Timothy 4: 7-8, “… train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

     “Bodily training” (physical fitness), according to the Bible, is of “some value”.  Certainly, “bodily training” keeps us healthier and fit, but “godliness” (spiritual fitness) is for our good, now, and for eternity!  How is YOUR spiritual fitness?  Are you regularly (daily is best!) reading and studying the Bible?  Are you praying each day?  Are you connected to one of the churches in Central, hearing the Bible and the Gospel clearly proclaimed?  Are you serving others through a church?  If your goal in each of these is to, by God’s grace, grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18) AND bring Him alone the glory through Spirit-produced growth, then you are on your way to good spiritual fitness!

     Of course, all of us aren’t perfect, and we most likely need help in some or all of these areas to be better spiritually fit.  I encourage you to make it your goal in 2014 to get more spiritually fit and to continue to do so for the rest of your life.  The Bible promises that spiritual fitness “holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”  What a promise!

Don Hulsey,
Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church (9526 Joor Road)