Do you get physical exercise? We all know that one benefit of physical exercise is a healthier body. There may be some pain in the exertion, but that is worth it for the results.
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines exercise in several ways, such as: to make effective in action, to implement the terms of, and to use repeatedly in order to strengthen or develop.
Implementing a spiritual exercise routine is important.
Each of the dictionary definitions can be applied to the Heart Training tagline, ‘Exercise Your Faith.’ If we look at the last definition, we can see how the repetition aspect is applied in Do LAPS! and Keep on Track. Each verse’s concept is repeatedly considered, the verse is regularly prayed, and the verse is consistently reviewed, all to strengthen or develop our faith.
Strengthening, stretching, balancing, and aerobic exercising are important for physical well-being. Let’s correlate that to spiritual training. Here are some examples:
To strengthen our faith, we can learn God’s truths and apply them. Our faith is also strengthened when we go through trials, see how God is working, and increase our trust in him.
To stretch our faith, we can dig deeper than the surface of what God’s words mean and challenge our comfortable thinking. We can allow the Holy Spirit to work in us to grow in godliness.
To balance our faith, we can keep our thoughts and actions aligned with what God desires/commands. We can also keep in balance love and truth as we live out our faith.
To get our heart rate up with our faith, we can choose to work on the matters the Holy Spirit is bringing to our attention. This could relate to getting rid of sin, choosing to act in obedience, and worshiping God during challenging times.
Exercise is not easy, but its benefits make it worth doing.
Choose to exercise your faith and keep your heart in peak condition!