Letter From the Pastor

A Great Time for Growth

“Trying to get back on track – so I started walking a half hour on the treadmill while listening to a Bible study on RightNow Media…”

What an encouraging text to receive from somebody I love!  I was thrilled at the news of their desire to get back on track after what they implied was a season of  - at the very least – being off track to some degree.  Why was I thrilled?  Some very important things had happened in this person. 1) Without making excuses, they acknowledged they have been off track. 2)  They desired to get back to where they need to be, both physically and spiritually.  3) Rather than sitting around wishing things would change for them, they not only planned a course of action but they put it into practice.   

Another reason I was thrilled?  This individual was interested in getting back on track both physically and spiritually.  For those who would dismiss the notion of the importance of intentional training of the body and the spirit, I would remind you of a couple of passages from the Word.  Consider 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 which says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, who you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore, honor God with your body.”  In truth, the context here is regarding sexual purity, but one cannot deny the clear teaching of our body being His temple.  A second passage which speaks to the importance of intentional care for the ‘temple’ is 1 Timothy 4:8.  There we read, “…physical training is of some value…”  With all my heart I believe we are to steward our bodies as we should everything else we have received from God, so physical training is not only good but is to be expected.  

One might argue, “okay, but surely spiritual well-being is of much greater importance than physical well-being.”  And one would find no argument here.  Without question, our spiritual health is paramount.  Consider the rest of 1 Timothy 4:8, which says “but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”  Recall the penetrating words of Christ as He queried, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”  If that is not enough, consider the fact that it was for the salvation of man’s soul that Christ was willing to go to the Cross.  

In transparency, have I wondered how much further ahead I would be in my walk with Christ if I were to train myself in godliness with the same intensity I exhibit in the weight room?  I sure have.  Truth be told, I have wondered the same about some of the rest of us who have a passion for fitness, and I pray for an appropriate measure of each in us all.  Ahh, but now I am meddling…

So where was I?  Trying to encourage those of us who are off track to acknowledge the reality of where we are physically and spiritually, praying for your heart and mine to desire to get back to where we need to be in these realms, and challenging you (and being challenged) to not sit around wishing for change but to start working for it.  The great thing for those of us who just aren’t feeling it?  Desiring to honor God with body and spirit are both what I have often referred to as ‘gimme prayers.’  It IS God’s will that you would honor Him with your body in every regard, and it IS God’s will that you would continue to grow in your relationship with Christ.  As a result, we need not pray, “God, if it be your will, help me to honor you with my body,” or “God, if it be your will, help me to grow to maturity in my faith.”

Check your position.  Check your passion. Check your plan.  And then - by God’s grace and for His glory – take that first step.  Meanwhile, I will be cheering for you!