Like many people, one of my resolutions for the year 2014 is to get fit. My goal is not to lose weight, but to gain muscle tone and to be in the best shape of my life. I’m proud to say, I have been sticking to my goal by making healthier food choices and exercising regularly. Once I reach my goal, I know I will feel a great sense of accomplishment and my body will be my trophy. I’ll look like one of those fitness models on the cover of Shape magazine and I’ll smile, but then what?

On March 20, 2014 the YouVersion Bible passage of the day read:

“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 4:8 NKJV

After all of my exercising and dieting to get physically fit, I will still be no good if my spirit is out of shape. This is why we’re constantly told not to judge a book by its cover because it’s what’s on the inside that really counts and so on and so forth. Well, it’s true, but we’re not born perfect on the inside or outside.

Our bodies don’t slim down and tone up by themselves, it takes hard work. So how can we expect our faith to be strengthened if we don’t work it out? We can exercise spiritually. To achieve this, we can:

• Pray.
• Read the Bible.
• Maintain a close relationship with God.
• Love one another as Christ loves us.
• Spread the Gospel.

From experience, I know that doing these things will grow your faith and strengthen your spiritual life. I know it’s something that all too often, gets over looked, but it’s important.

If we can resolve to become physically fit and dedicate hours in the gym to achieving that goal, surely we can commit to working out our spirit so that what dwells on the inside can match what’s on the outside. We may not be able to carry our model physiques to our eternal life, but our spirit will live on. Let’s make sure it’s in the best shape.

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” -Philippians 2:12 NIV

Resolve to restore, physically and spiritually.

-Jamie Rachelle