February is American Heart Month, so chances are you’re being reminded that good nutrition and being physically active are two of the most important things you can do to be and stay physically fit at any age. But have you considered the same principle for your spiritual life?
When it comes to spiritual fitness, our nutrition is God’s Word. Statistics from our “power of 4” research tell us that people who engage God’s Word at least 4 days a week lead lives that are much different than those who don’t. In fact, believers who engage Scripture less than 4 days a week are starving spiritually, and they lead lives that look statistically the same as the lives of non-believers.
Now, if it seems like you’ve heard this information before, we plead guilty! We’ve repeated it over and over because it is a very important foundational block for spiritual fitness. However, nutrition – taking in God’s Word – is just one part of the fitness equation. Activity is an equally important factor!
So today we ask, how are you activating, or exercising what you learn from the Bible? Are you sharing it with others? Are you serving your neighbors? Have you prayed for an opportunity to talk about Jesus to your co-worker? Are you looking for those opportunities?
You see, we all have spiritual muscle, but unless it’s exercised, we become spiritually “fluffy” (filled up with knowledge), but to what end?
James reminds us,
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, heis like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:22-25 (ESV)
We ask these questions, not to condemn you, but because we want to help you grow and mature to the point that you can help others become spiritually fit as well. Maybe that also means helping you with a few struggles, or helping you grow in the fruits of the spirit. Whatever your needs are, we are standing by with our new spiritual fitness survey.
Yes, like any fitness program, we have a survey for you to take so we can give you an accurate assessment of where you are spiritually, along with daily content you’ll need for growth. The survey will only take you about 2 minutes to complete. Immediately afterward you’ll receive feedback to guide you toward your specific spiritual needs and goals.
Here’s what Elizabeth had to say about her experience:
“Hi Arnie, I took the survey and I’m 57. I teach fifth grade and have worked with older youth as well. Wow! This is spot on and comprehensive. I like that the results gave me points and videos (have to watch them all) to progress in the struggle areas. Thank you for the work you are doing and your family’s pursuit for God’s kingdom!”
–Elizabeth
If you haven’t taken the survey yet, please do! It’s free. And remember, it responds according to each individual’s needs, so please share it with your friends and family as well.
Spiritual fitness starts here! bttb.org/survey
Give this a try and let us know your thoughts.