Workout Your Salvation

Take a minute to think about where you are right now in your fitness journey. How long can you run? How much can you lift? Now I want you to imagine a month of not working out, not getting enough sleep, eating junk, etc. It’s safe to say that your fitness level would take a major nosedive, no matter how in shape you are right now.

Now, think about if you were to do the exact same workouts, eat the exact same foods, lift the same amount of weights for the next month. You would maintain your fitness level, but  not increase nor decrease your abilities.

Lastly, I want you to imagine how four weeks of consistent workouts, healthy eating, enough sleep, etc. would change your level of fitness. Four weeks can change A LOT. It takes dedication and intentionality, but if you make it through those four weeks, you can significantly increase your fitness level.

Did you know that God also wants us to “work out” our faith? Just as with our fitness, depending on how much effort we put into it, we can either take a step backwards, maintain, or we can put in extra effort each week to see incredible results and improvements in our faith.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence, but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”                             Philippians 2:12-13

Personally, I know it’s a lot easier for me to prioritize time for working out than for my relationship with God. I need to remind myself daily to “set my mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2) Just as your health and fitness will suffer if you don’t make it a priority, so will your faith.

Our bodies are being transformed when we live a healthy lifestyle, and so are our hearts through a committed and sincere relationship with Jesus.  2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all… are being transformed…” Let me say it again- we are being transformed. We have not reached our full transformation. It is an ongoing process of building a personal relationship with Christ through consistently spending time in God’s Word, getting involved in a church, etc. Our relationship with God needs to be constantly improving and transforming us.

You may not be able to take a spiritual “transformation picture,” but  I guarantee if you commit to seeking the Lord and growing in your walk with Him, you will see results in your daily relationships and interactions. You will feel more love pouring out in your life for other people and for God. Stay committed! This “workout” is more important than any other workout you will ever do.

How to get spiritually fit: Join a small group, start a Bible reading plan (She Reads Truth has some great ones for women), commit to longer time in prayer, volunteer in a church ministry, etc.

What are some ways you “workout” your faith?