Last year Krystal shared with me that she had set a goal. She was going to run a 5k. I love my wife but this surprised me because she will tell you herself that shopping is something that she enjoys more than sweating. As she began to train and run, I couldn't sit back and do nothing. So, I decided I would get in shape to run a 5k as well. After training, she did it. On Labor Day of 2010, Krystal ran her first 5k in Rogers. It was "Run For A Child". I was out of town but we continued to run and train. I ran my first 5k in Siloam Springs last October in the "Titus Task" 5k. We both ran and finished the race.
Running is like other exercises in that you need the right equipment. We bought running clothes, running shoes, and even water bottles that fit into your hand as you are running. We downloaded apps to our phones and iPods to help us as well. We had all the right equipment to help us exercise and do better at running. We were set to keep the exercise going but after running in the Titus Task, winter hit and the calendar became busier and we stopped.
One evening last week I went for a jog in our neighborhood. As I was jogging, the thought kept coming to my head, "Why did you stop? Exercise is good for you." I began to come up with all the excuses and reasons. Then my mind went to the following verse of scripture.
1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV) For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
I began to compare how I had all the tools and equipment to help me to be a better runner and to help me be more physically fit but I had stopped using them. I allowed my calendar and the "rough weather" to keep me from doing what would help me keep in shape. I started to apply this to our spiritual lives. We have so many tools, resources, books, classes, retreats, conferences, and so much more to help us stay in "spiritual shape" and to continue to become healthier in our spiritual lives. Unfortunately, we allow our calendars and "rough weather" to keep us from continuing our "spiritual exercise" so we can become strong and healthy.
Now, I'm still not in the habit of running again, but I do need to get back into the habit of physical exercise that will help my body be in good health. I have begun to watch what I eat and have actually dropped several pounds. We need to also watch what we feed our spirit as well.We all know that when we physically eat right and physically exercise we feel better and we live healthier lives. I'm not suggesting such a strict diet that you can't enjoy life. I believe that we all need some chocolate in our diet. ha! What would happen if we also spiritually ate right and spiritually exercised? I believe we would be healthier and grow stronger in our walk with the Lord.
What's keeping us from doing it? Discipline is the answer. It's not easy, but it is necessary. Just like the physical exercise will help you have a physical healthy heart, spiritual exercise will help you have a healthy spiritual heart.
