My friend and trainer, John Robinson, went over the basics again with me last week.  He talked to me about the necessity of exercise, discipline and nutrition.  He was spot on and reminded me my choices now impact my future.  He encouraged me to eat clean (healthy) and exercise regularly in addition to the times we spend in training.  He reminded me that my health was my responsibility and dropped the grandson bomb (motivation) on me – “You do want to be around and able to play with your grandkids when you’re older.”  He meant it in the best of ways, and I took it that way.  He is concerned about my overall health and I’m thankful for this and for John.

As I was thinking about his counsel and making plans with Janet (my wife) to implement the things he shared, my mind quickly thought of Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (Ph) which says: “…Take time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.  Bodily fitness has a certain value, but spiritual fitness is essential both for this present life and for the life to come.”

Bodily fitness is valuable and important.  Spiritual fitness is even more important.  In light of this, what are you including in your spiritual diet?  What kind of spiritual exercise are you involved in?  Do you have anyone who is helping you train spiritually?

Here are a few things I believe should be included in your spiritual training / regimen:  (a) nourishment from the Scripture – individually in time alone with God & cooperatively in time together with God & others (church & small groups), (b) exercising your gifts and abilities by serving God’s purpose through a local church, (c) the discipline of time spent alone with God in the Scripture and in prayer each day, (d) training, encouragement and mentoring by connecting with others in a small group of people seeking God’s purpose & direction for their lives, and (e) the discipline and challenge of sharing with others what God has done and is doing in your life.