“[D]o not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” — Hebrews 6:12 (NKJV)
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The one piece of advice I received repeatedly before retiring was to “stay active and keep moving.” I knew that to be true, for in my working years as a retail store manager, I spent more time on the floor than in the office, despite what others might say.
A sudden stop in physical activity would not bode well. For the most part, I have maintained a regular schedule that keeps me moving physically. But I admit there are times when sluggishness sets in from missing the gym and the accumulation of late-night snacks. Thankfully, I recognize the need to stay active with frequent visits back to the gym to become sluggish-free.
Staying active and moving is not only for our physical health, but also for our spiritual health. In fact, the apostle Paul writes, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8, NLT). When we let our spiritual life lay dormant and absorb the junk food of the world, there is no other outcome but to become sluggish or spiritually unhealthy. Without correction, this will lead to all kinds of spiritual problems and create a chasm between you and God.
Just as physical exercise and staying active keeps us healthy and not in a sluggish state, spiritual exercise — such as Bible reading, prayer, worship, sharing the Gospel, helping others and having Christian friends — will keep us active and moving in our Christian life. Age does not matter. Young, old and in between, we all need spiritual exercise.
If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, it’s time to hit “God’s Gym.”
— Loring Schultz
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