Today, many individuals seem to be out walking or jogging. Even during cooler weather, years, ago, we had a group of individuals walking by our house every workday for exercise during the lunch hour. Long after the others dropped out, one lone male kept up that walk for years. I got so we greeted each other if I was outside.
There are even specially designed baby strollers created for the express purpose of taking that little one along on a walk or jog. I learned this when our daughter had Ellery two years ago. Cassie walks, but she couldn’t leave the little one behind so she and her husband bought a stroller designed with them in mind. Having a baby didn’t stop them from walking. After they had Ezekiel last November one of the things they did was find a stroller for two, for though Ellery can now walk part way with her parents, she isn’t up to those long walks. Early on, these kids will learn the value and, even, the fun of exercise for the body.
While many take advantage of exercise in the great outdoors or on specially constructed trails, others exercise in one of the hundreds, or thousands, of gyms, operating all over America–even the world. Healthful eating habits and exercise are common buzz words in advertisements and conversation. Maintaining physical health takes desire, commitment and follow through.
As important or more so than physical health is our spiritual well-being. Sometimes we forget that, like physical conditioning, spiritual health takes planning, time, training and discipline.
Every day, we’re faced with choices–good and bad. When we choose God’s values of caring, kindness and doing what is right, we’re strengthening those spiritual muscles. When we choose our own way, we lose focus on our lives and may begin to make less positive choices.
What steps can we take to make sure we’re gaining, not losing, ground in building up our spiritual health to becoming persons of integrity and honor? Reading God’s Word each day provides a foundation for both belief and behavior. Memorizing God’s Word provides guidance and direction. Regularly reading God’s Word is a spiritual discipline. Doing so in the morning sets the tone for the day.
Though dragging ourselves out of bed Sunday morning may take effort, Hebrews 10:23-25 asks us not to forsake the fellowship of other believers. Fellowship encourages us in our walk of faith and lifts us up. We hear a message from God’s Word, and weekly fellowship gives us the opportunity to receive and to reach out in love and care to others.
Spiritual as well as physical health is important. Incorporating both physical and spiritual exercises into your daily routine will give a sense of satisfaction. (Example: practice Bible verses memorized while walking.) After all, you’ll end up twice as strong in two disciplines.
By Carolyn R Scheidies
Published in the Kearney Hub 6/24/2019
An expanded version of a devotional in Listen! Who Me?