Do you exercise? Ever? Today everybody is talking about necessity of physical exercise for fitness, health and longevity. But my concern is more than physical iron pumping, or aerobics, or running. I am concerned about other aspects of being human – things like soul and spirit.
Do you do mental exercise? This week’s Sabbath School was an interesting one. Especially the Wednesday lesson with all those questions “What says the Word of God?” Problematic situations were introduced and an answer from the Word of God was to be sought after. How did you score? How often do you exercise your mental ability? Nowadays even in schools kids rely more on gadgets, not trusting their mind power to do simple calculus. Many rely on computers, software and internet for answers. How’s your mental strength?
What about exercises for the soul, for your emotions, for your feelings, for your ability to interact with other people? Do you exercise your attitude? I’ve heard a new word from a church member this week “baditude” – meaning negative tune of the spirit…being out of shape spiritually.
Do you know spiritual exercises? I remember going to a chiropractor with my back problems and learning simple stretch exercises to relieve my pain. Has anyone taught you simple exercises that would tune-up your spirit and soul?
Christians over the years have learned that certain practices help them keep the spiritual channels open and help keep the heart turned toward God. These disciplines alone can't save you; they can't even make you a holy person. But they can heighten your desire, awareness, and love of God by stripping down the barriers that you put up within yourself and some that others put up for you. Exercises that take a specific part of your way of life and turn it toward God.
These exercises are often called “classic disciplines.” Classic – because Christian practiced them for two millennia; and Disciplines because they must be practiced faithfully and regularly, forming a habit or a regular pattern in your life that repeatedly brings you back to God and opens you up to what God is saying to you.
Similar practices may be found in other religions. The difference is that Christian disciplines are squarely centered on Jesus Christ. When Christ is not at the heart of it, it may still be beneficial in some way, but it is not being practiced in a Christian way. In the end, if it does not help you follow Christ, it is of no real worth.
So let me just mention some: Solitude, Silence, Fasting, Frugality, Chastity, Secrecy, Sacrifice, Study, Meditation, Worship, Celebration, Service, Prayer, Fellowship, Confession, Submission. These are just few. Your health is your responsibility. Your spiritual attitude is your job. As your pastor I will introduce you to more exercise and coach your training – but the work is yours. Start trying!
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