PUMPING IRON

Spiritual Weight Training

Turn on your television after 2 a.m. - all you'll see are weight-lifting machines and workout mechanisms. Building physical stamina seems to be a national obsession. But building spiritual stamina is certainly of equal importance. It begins with lifting the weight of the Bible.

The book of Colossians is an ideal one for those who want to get in shape spiritually. The first two chapters lay the foundation, the last two show the application.

How to begin your spiritual "weight-lifting":

Know who is in charge. "In Him all things hold together." (Col. 1:17) Take your direction from the Master, let Him direct your spiritual training.

Be willing to begin at the beginning. "We all begin as sinners, alienated from God." (Col. 1:21) Fortunately, Christ wants to be a part of your life, to turn it around, and set you on a new course.

Consume a diet of winners. "You have been given fullness in Christ." (Col. 2:10) All that you need to "pump iron" is available in Christ - in His gospel, in His redemption, in His friendship. Take advantage of what is before you and eat up.

Set your mind on your training. "Set your heart on things above." (Col. 3:1) Decide to grow spiritually and it will become a possibility...leading to a reality.

Persevere over discouragement and failure. Rely on God's power to give you endurance and patience. (Col. 1:11) Don't let disappointments cloud future decisions. Learn from your experiences and move forward with that added knowledge.

Delight in your progress. "Live a life worthy of the Lord...bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." (Col. 1:10) Is your workout producing "muscles" of spiritual fruit?

Work out with a friend. "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart." (Col. 2:2) The best way to grow spiritually is with the encouragement of a fellow Christian. Become involved in a church, in a small Christian group, with a Christian mentor.

Work out every day. "Devote yourselves to prayer." (Col. 4:2) Consistent exercise of prayer keeps you attuned to God's will and orientation.

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