The word “Spiritual” and “Muscles” aren’t used in a sentence together very often. However, getting closer to God is very similar to working out. Here are some similarities:
- Spiritual Muscles Build Over Time. “Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers” (Ephesians 6:18). Think back to when you first came to Christ, you probably pray more now than you did then. Just like working out, it takes time for us to pray for longer periods of time. But we must develop our skill by consistently praying, or, like working out, if we stop our progress will eventually be lost. Which leads to…
- You Can’t Give Up. “Never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Our God wants to hear from you regularly. Like a loving Father, He doesn’t want His children to ignore Him. It is vital we don’t break our prayer habits. It is even more important to keep prayer when we don’t want to. That’s when the temptation comes; that’s when our prayers count most.
- We Can Get Help When We Need It. “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26). Sometimes when working out, you need someone to instruct you or help you lift properly. For spiritual matters, this is the Holy Spirit. He is willing and helpful to assist in your spiritual growth, all you need is to ask. After all, it’s hard to live a spiritual life without the Spirit.
We all know the numerous benefits of working out, you’re healthier, you feel better, your mind is cleared, etc. Praying and becoming more like God are of much more value, “For 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). Working out is investing in this life, but praying is investing in the one to come.
