Our whole body needs to be in good condition for it to function well.

For physical well-roundedness (no pun intended), we can do conditioning exercises that target many different muscles to build and tone them. This often incorporates moves for strength, resistance, and flexibility. We feel stronger and more balanced.

Let’s not forget to work our spiritual condition. Christianity is not a passive faith!

Living as a Christ follower necessitates pitting ourselves against the ways of the world.

As Christ followers, we are called to fight the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:10-18). This can feel weighty and concerning, but we are not left to fend for ourselves. Each of us can say, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer (2 Samuel 22:2 NIV, letter D in Follow and Lead). Our almighty and protective God gives us armor to stand against the devil’s schemes, and we can do so with confidence in the Source of our faith and his truths. Jesus told his followers that oppositions and persecutions will arise when serving him. Remembering that we serve the King of kings and Lord of lords can help us stand firm as we represent him!

As Christ followers, we are called to adapt to the Holy Spirit’s work in us (Galatians 5:16-17). Our flesh thinks and acts in opposition to the Spirit. Having freedom in Christ does not mean being flexible in doing what we desire because Jesus already paid for our sin. No, it means being freed from the enslavement of sin, able to live as a child of God in ways that honor him as Father. As we exercise our faith, the Holy Spirit brings to mind God’s truths and our sin, and he leads us in God’s ways. We develop confidence and trust in the God we serve as we learn his truths, acknowledge his presence, and communicate with him. And, our love for him deepens and motivates us.

May the Holy Spirit help us “live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that we may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father” (Colossians 1:10-12a NIV).

Have you assessed your spiritual condition lately? How are you: strengthening your beliefs, resisting evil, and putting into practice God’s ways? We should train ourselves “to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8 NIV).

Are you ready to exercise your faith using the daily routine of a Heart Training book? Read the Word, study it, pray it, memorize it, and apply it using a variety of ‘exercises’ to help strengthen your faith.