I was playing football a weekend ago with some old friends and it was apparent to all of us that we were out of shape. There's nothing like a physical game that reveals how much more fit you need to be in order to play well. Nevertheless there is hope for us because every summer it seems as if there's a new program available for people who want to get into shape. Even our own church is trying to organize people to run in order to improve their health! In addition to all this, eating things that are organic seems to be the new trend. With so much emphasis on the human body, I wonder if people consider taking care of other areas in their life as well. Think about it. How often do you hear someone say they need to get their "inner man" into shape? When was the last time you saw someone evaluating the “spiritual food" they were eating? I believe that we can easily be spiritually out of shape just as we can be physically unfit. And just as being physically healthy is important, we also need to in top form spiritually. I believe there is no substitute for spending consistent time with God to grow spiritually. The more I'm with him the more fit I become. Consider for a moment how much of our time is spent watching reality TV or surfing the web when that time could be spent growing relationally with the Creator of the universe. Don't get me wrong, sometimes we need a break but what would it look like if someone asked you to go watch a movie with them and you told them you couldn't because you had a prior commitment to spend time in prayer that night. Too many times we settle for less than the best. The best is God Himself. This is something that God is dealing with me in my own heart. I don't know about you but I need to be in communion with God in order to handle the challenges I face every day in my life. This walk with God is like a race and I need to be in shape to run in it all the way to the end.

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.