AVOIDING SPIRITUAL ATROPHY
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
strength·en verb make or become stronger .
You probably have found this to be true, that it takes intentional, regular training to develop a skill and strength. The term ‘practice makes perfect’ is not far off. Running is just an example, it might be sewing, dancing, singing, writing etc. Each of these, when regularly practiced according to the training required will result in improvement. And training over time will get easier as we develop muscle memory.
The same is true spiritually. For example, it takes dedicated, regular, repeated time meeting with the Lord to become better at it. “Teach me to pray…” and He does.
“When thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father, which seeth in secret shall reward thee” Matthew 6:6
Being a disciple involves exercising spiritual disciplines with consistency, over time that prove rewarding. For example, meeting with the Lord consistently results in spiritual strengthening as we learn to be intimate with Him.
The Holy Spirit is our perfect and blessed trainer. But we do have to show up for practice. Spiritual practice is rewarding.
I was a runner since my early 20’s. I have recently shifted to walking due to some physical maladies. Being a fairly disciplined person I have found at times, that I had to force myself on good days or bad to get out there and hit the pavement. And I have found that after a few weeks, the benefits or rewards become evident and this spurs me on to do it again tomorrow.
This is true in both the physical and spiritual realm. And so is –
at·ro·phy (verb): gradually decline in effectiveness or vigor due to underuse or neglect
Atrophy, the loss of muscle or skill is just as real as strengthening. Only the causes are different.
How frustrating it has been to work hard for many days/weeks/months to get in good physical shape to have an injury, illness or life event disrupt may routine. It was amazing to me understanding how hard it was and long it took to get into shape that it was easy and quickly to fall completely out of shape. Healthy habits create healthier choices across the board and this is true spiritually as well. If we wander a bit and go AWOL from God it doesn’t take long to be unintentionally caught up in the undertow of this fallen world. Doing the right thing prevents the doing of the wrong thing.
We need to build up and maintain our strength. If I need to sprint 100 yards to get help for another, I can’t exercise then. I’ll have to walk. And when a spiritual battle comes our way we will have no time to cram in discipline, we will be unfit for the battle.
Remember: “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,help me throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let me run with perseverance the race marked out for me, fixing my eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2
prayer….all gain, no pain!