14 Aug Spiritual Fitness: Strengthening Your Walk with God

Spiritual fitness, from a Christian perspective, is about growing in our relationship with God and aligning our lives with His will. Just as physical fitness requires discipline and commitment, so does spiritual fitness. The Bible emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, calling believers to deepen their faith and live in a way that honours God.

I. Key Elements of Spiritual Fitness

1. A Strong Relationship with God
The foundation of spiritual fitness is a close, personal relationship with God. This is nurtured through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you,” (Jam 4:8).

2. Living According to God’s Word
The Bible is a guide for life, equipping us to face challenges and remain steadfast in faith. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” (2 Tim 3:16).

The Word of God is foundational to our spiritual fitness. We need to develop the habit of reading the Word daily.

It is by depositing God’s Word in our hearts that we can resist sin. Jesus Himself resisted the devil by using the Word of God.

3. Faith in Adversity
Spiritual fitness involves trusting God in every situation, knowing He is in control. Faith builds resilience and peace during trials. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose,” (Rom 8:28).

4. Bearing Spiritual Fruit
A spiritually fit Christian demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit in their daily life — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,” (Gal 5:22-23).

5. Serving Others
Jesus modelled servant leadership, calling His followers to love and serve one another. Acts of service glorify God and strengthen our faith. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms,” (1 Pet 4:10).

II. Steps to Build Spiritual Fitness

1. Spend Time in Prayer
Regular communication with God is essential. Prayer strengthens our faith and helps us seek His guidance. Prayer is for our benefit; it changes us! There is power in prayer. Prayer enables us to forgive, fills our hearts and minds with God’s peace, brings healing, equips us with divine wisdom and much more. Consistent prayer strengthens our relationship with God too. So, “Pray without ceasing,” (1 Thess 5:17).
Include praise in your prayer. Praise is our response to God’s goodness. Praise wherever you can – at home, while driving, in church, in the shower, or by listening to worship songs. Singing praises to God is a form of spiritual sacrifice.

2. Study the Bible Daily
God’s Word is the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and wisdom. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” (Ps 119:105).

3. Join a Community of Believers
Fellowship with other Christians provides encouragement, accountability, and mutual support. It also provides comfort, edification, helps us remain steadfast in our faith and prevents spiritual isolation. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together,” (Heb 10:24-25).

4. Practice Gratitude
Thankfulness fosters a positive spirit and reminds us of God’s faithfulness. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” (1 Thess 5:18).

5. Be Faithful in Good Works
We are created for good works to glorify God. God endows us with spiritual gifts and we ought to use our God-given gifts for the good of others. Doing good works also builds endurance.

6. Be a Witness for Christ
We are called to be the light of the world, Mt 5:14 and we can let our light shine by sharing our faith and living Christ-honouring lives. This includes engaging in personal evangelism and discipleship.

III. How to Become Spiritually Fit

1. Spiritual Fitness Requires Proper Spiritual Nutrition
Just as our bodies need nourishment to remain strong and healthy, we as Christians need spiritual nourishment to grow in faith and remain spiritually strong.
Jesus said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing,” (Jn 15:5). Like a branch receives nourishment through the vine, we receive our nourishment by abiding in Him — maintaining a close relationship with Him, spending time in His Word, and communicating with Him daily.

2. Spiritual Fitness Requires Regular Spiritual Exercise
The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are to live by faith and not by sight. Faith is like a muscle; it must be exercised to grow. Jesus often chastised His disciples for their lack of faith. He also told them that even faith the size of a mustard seed could move mountains.

3. Spiritual Fitness Requires Spiritual Renewal
The Christian life is more than just salvation. At times, we all need spiritual revival and renewal. If we let our guard down, we can be weighed down by distractions, sin, and worldly concerns.
The writer of Hebrews says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” To be spiritually renewed, we must get rid of the sin and baggage that weigh us down. Why not do that today?

IV. The Benefits of Spiritual Fitness

1. Peace and Joy in Christ
A spiritually fit life is marked by the peace and joy that comes from knowing Christ and trusting His promises. “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” (Phil 4:7).

2. Strength to Overcome Temptation
Spiritual fitness helps believers resist sin and remain faithful to God. “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear,” (1 Cor 10:13).

3. A Deeper Purpose
Living for Christ gives life eternal meaning and purpose, far beyond earthly achievements. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,” (Phil 1:21).

Conclusion
Spiritual fitness is a lifelong journey of growing in faith, reflecting Christ’s character, and living in alignment with God’s purpose. As believers, we are called to strengthen our relationship with God, trust Him in every circumstance, and live out our faith daily.

Jesus wants us to experience a full and abundant life, but He will not force us. The decision is ours. Will we continue in a mediocre, lukewarm Christian life, or will we strive to make a difference?
When we are spiritually fit, we can impact the world — just as the disciples did 2,000 years ago.

JSA Julius, Worked in Customs Department for 37 years. He was reflecting Christ in his profession through excellent service and clean hand. Involved in UESI ministry since 1968. Was the iceu President in Madurai, President of UESI-AP, UESI-KA & UESI President for 2 times. Now involving as Vice-President. Married to Renuka 52 years back. Have 3 children – Debbie, Ebby & Phoebe and 5 grandchildren. All the families involve in UESI ministry in different states.