Thrive

 Being physically fit is important. I worked for a healthcare organization with a mission to have people thrive and be in the best state of health they can. People are encouraged to eat a healthy diet and participating in at least 30 minutes of physical exercise most days. Blood pressure control and cholesterol management are also promoted. With the use of tool like the “Biggest Loser” scale, it’s possible to keep track of progress towards improving health. This scale does more than measure your body weight; it also measures the percent of body fat, water, and muscle. In addition, it provides the basal metabolic index (BMI) and notes the amount of caloric intake necessary to maintain current weight. The goal of the scale is to provide as much information as possible to encourage good lifestyle choices and promote healthy living. 

 Spiritual fitness is even more important than physical fitness. It is best achieved by maintaining a godly lifestyle and spending at least 30 minutes most days in spiritual exercise (prayer, worship, reading scripture, quiet time alone with God). Unfortunately, there is not a piece of equipment that you can stand on to measure your current spiritual state. You can, however, take an inventory of where you are spending your time and money. If you are investing little time and money on the things of God, you are likely lacking in spiritual fitness. The goal is to live a life that is Christ centered rather than self centered. Consider the words of Paul in his first letter to Timothy 

“Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritual fit. Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So exercise yourself spiritually and practice being a better Christian, because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too.” 1 Timothy 4: 7-8. 

Now, those are some words to live by that will encourage you to keep spiritually fit, focused on Christ, and thriving to be the best Christian you can be today and every day.