Most of us are familiar with the various aspects of physical fitness, and we routinely try to maintain some level of conditioning.  But we also need to pursue and make gains spiritually as well.  The Apostle Paul, uses metaphor and imagery of an athlete to describe our faith journeys, and to “run the race, or “fight the good fight”, we need spiritual fitness.  Here are 7 aspects of spiritual fitness to consider.

     1. Diet :  A regular diet of the Word of God is an important factor of spiritual fitness.  Daily bible  reading, meditation, Lectio Divina, and scripture memorization are ways to maintain a balanced diet.  This diet will give us the nutrients we need as we “run the race”.

     2. Cardio:  Without a healthy heart, our fitness level will not reach its peak.  Our hearts need to be supple and responsive to what is going on within us, to our relationship with the father, and our relationship with others.  It needs to be open to the needs of others around us.  Time spent in solitude, prayer, and with the proper diet and exercise by serving others will keep it in great shape.

     3.  Strength:  Strength is one of the indicators of fitness. Our strength is found in the Lord and gained in our weakness and reliance upon him.  Hours spent in the gym of life, being open and honest with him, and depending upon him for all our needs will develop this component of fitness.

     4.  Endurance:  A key factor to our fitness is endurance.  The bible would encourage us to be patient and steadfast, being anxious for nothing.

     5.  Flexibility:  Being available, adaptable, and ready to put our personal agendas aside is part of spiritual fitness.  God stretches us daily, don’t resist, relax, and become more mobile and agile in your faith.

     6.  Balance:  A verse of a hymn tells us that “on Christ the solid rock we stand all other ground is sinking sand.”  To maintain balance we must be grounded and connected to him.  Not easily swayed when the storms of life come.

     7.  Coordination:  To move freely, we need to be in sync and coordinated with the person and work of the Holy spirit.  We need to be on board with Gods mission and play our role in bringing in the reign of God.  We need to be  in community, actively worshiping and serving as one Church, the Body fitted, fully coordinated and working as one.

     How fit are you?  What areas of fitness would you add to the list?

Picture: Military Fitness, by MacJewell