Under Construction

Yesterday we were working out at our local YMCA and Chez, one of the trainers, walked by wearing a T-shirt which read: UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Then it added “Building a better me through exercise.”

When I saw it, I was reminded that’s why we were all there–young and old, men and women, out of shape and trying to get in shape.  We’re all under construction.  We’re there to exercise, improve our heath, and get better physically.

But quickly my mind to turn to a spiritual application. “Under construction” ought to describe the state of each one of us as we are growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

Then I thought of Paul’s admonition in 1 Timothy 4:7-8.

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather exercise yourself for godliness; for while bodily exercise is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

“Gymnasium” is derived from the Greek word “exercise.” And this figure is inherent in the passage. This was a place where Greek youths engaged in physical training to develop their bodies for athletic completion. It carries the idea of vigorous activity.

It’s worth noting that the apostle is not presenting an either-or choice. There is some benefit derived from physical training. As good stewards, we ought to take care of the body. A healthy diet, the right amount of sleep and regular exercise provides us with the strength to serve God’s purpose. However, the apostle affirms that training for godly living renders a value more useful and longer lasting.

Just like physical exercise strengthens the body, spiritual exercise strengthens the soul. Godliness and spiritual development is not an accident. It’s a decision we make just like we decide to go to the Y three times a week, or walk every day, or any other exercise program. Here are 4 areas in which we need to exercise ourselves.

(1) Our Mind. Intellectual training is vital to spiritual growth. We are challenged to consider the evidence for God, the Deity of Jesus, and the inspiration of the Bible. Mental exercise involves deliberation. Evaluation. Interpretation. Such thinking leads us to develop a spiritual value system that will allow us to “discern good and evil..”

(2) Our Emotions. Numerous warnings are given in the Bible regarding runaway emotions. Anger. Envy. Jealousy. Hatred. Bitterness. Wrath. Lusts. These are emotions that require self-discipline. We must train ourselves emotionally to control our feelings and exercise restraint.

(3) Our Conscience. God gave us a moral governor called conscience. It will commend us or condemn. But it depends how the conscience is taught and trained. Peter spoke of some who had their conscience “trained in covetous practices.” In fact, unless we exercise the conscience properly it can become seared, rendered incapable of rational judgement (1 Tim. 4:2)

(4) Our Will. Each of us is given the power to choose. The will or volition of a person can be a great benefit in decision-making if it is exercised spiritually. Such training will result in being morally resolute with godly discretion.

So, how do we engage in this kind of spiritual exercise?  It’s not complicated. It’s as simple as going to the Y and beginning an exercise program. Here are simple four ways that will prove effective

(1) Getting into the Word. You cannot be correctly trained spiritually apart from the Bible. God’s Word produces faith. Increases knowledge. Provides purpose. Develops strength. Grows character. Supplies comfort. Offers hope. And equips us for life’s problems and Satan’s challenges.

(2) Daily prayer. Prayer brings us into communion with God. It is an exercise of humility, trust, dependance and reverence. No Christian can be spiritually healthy apart from prayer.

(3) Weekly worship. Not only do we experience fellowship with the Father in worship, but we enjoy association with fellow Believers. The exercise of worship makes love sweeter, faith deeper and hope brighter.

(4) Regular meditation. Dee Bowman was right when wrote, “Meditation is vital to spiritual development.” The exercise of reflection on divine matters causes our spiritual muscles to develop and grow stronger.

Just like Chez’s T-shirt says, I’m “under construction,” spiritually speaking. Although the “outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). I’m still growing. Still improving. Still training. Still exercising.

Under Construction. It reminds of the song lyrics–”He’s still working on me To make me what I need to be.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman