FaithWatchers

Train yourself in godliness, for while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. -1 Timothy 4:7-8

I remember a few years ago when my son, Kevin was really into physical training. He would weights, run, ride his bike everywhere, and work around the neighborhood doing physical outside labor for extra cash and the physical benefits it brought him. He really enjoyed showing off his strength and new look! And I enjoyed watching him. I was very proud of how he had succeeded in what he set out to do. It takes a lot of self discipline and a strong desire to do what he did. You can’t just sit around and hope to have a better body… you have to work at it.

Likewise, you can’t just sit around and wait for the fruits of the Spirit to bloom within you. You have to work at it. You have to exercise each fruit as you would each muscle. Happily, our equipment doesn’t include weight benches, treadmills and stationary bikes… but a bible, other spiritual reading matter, weekly worship, prayer, giving, serving and witnessing. Unfortunately, we have just as much of a tendency to let this equipment get dusty as we do the treadmill.

When we work on our bodies, we know how much it helps to be a part of a club or organization where we receive encouragement when we slide and pats on the back for a job well done. We need to be more intentional about doing the same for each other in our spiritual lives. That is what a faith community is all about… encouraging one another in our spiritual growth.

Maybe we should form a “Faith Watchers” group and develop a point system to follow each week. But, unlike Weightwatchers, in this case, points would be good! 5 points for every chapter of the Bible read… 5 points for every 15 minutes spent in prayer, 50 points for bringing an unchurched friend to church with you… etc. The benefit? Promise for this life and the life to come. Even Weightwatchers can only make promises for this life.

Father,
Help us to give at least as much attention to our spiritual lives as we do our physical, for our spiritual lives are eternal.   Amen.
Joys:  AIR CONDITIONING!!; Ability to work at home when necessary; did I say air conditioning??