Spiritual fitness has been described as the beliefs and practices that strengthens our connectedness with God. At the core of such practices are principles, and the continual pursuit of ideals that shapes our relationship with God.
While Jesus was on earth he practiced certain key principles to keep himself connected to God and focused on his assignment on earth. One key principle for Him was prayer.
To stay spiritually active and focused we must learn the act of regular prayer and also listening in prayer.
Jesus spent many hours alone with God to to hear expressly and to be able to accurately communicate God’s will for humanity.
In the books of John 8:26b Jesus says: “But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.”
Jesus heard from God through prayer laying down a crucial example for all who will stay spiritually guided and guarded in these uncertain times.
The greatest enemies of men in the modern era are worry and anxieties which continue to rob many of their peace of mind and health. Jesus was always in touch and in tune with God he had no reason to be anxious and worried.
Even though fear and worry are part of our emotional make up Jesus warns strongly about allowing them to steal our peace by giving in to them. They do nothing but steal our faith and peace in God.
Jesus addressed the fear, worry, and anxiety that those around Him were experiencing and never for once allowed these emotions to dictate his behavior or actions. His advice on these negative emotions are even more instructive in our own world presently beset with anxiety.
In Matthew 6:25, Jesus was very clear on this saying “ do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on”.
Why would Jesus say this? Because God’s plan for us (if we let him) is more beautiful than any plan we may have conceived in our own blind thoughts.
His plans for us are so certain that they transcend the realm of fear saying “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” ( Luke 12:32). Our God is not just a giver but he gives good things beyond our own imagination.
The most crucial aspect of staying spiritually fit and connecting with God is to stay away from sin and stay holy at whatever cost. Sin is darkness and Holiness is light. God resides in light and in Him is no darkness found.
To this effect Jesus says: “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:20).
Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:11 warns us “to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them”.
If we must stay fit and connected we must come boldly to Jesus to confess our sins and commit to abide in his light of righteousness.
Readings: Galatians 5:16-26
