Spiritual Gym
Coming to God is like stepping into a spiritual gym. The more we consciously direct our focus toward Him, the more we begin to see the goodness and beauty of life unfold. However, this is a practice, much like working out. Many people shy away from the gym because they feel they’re too far from being in shape or think the effort won’t be worth it. Yet we’ve all witnessed incredible transformations—stories of people who have shed significant weight and turned their lives around. When you see those before-and-after photos, it feels nothing short of miraculous.
The spirit of our lives works in much the same way. Just as the physical transformation is the testimony of a person’s dedication and effort, the growth and strengthening of our spirit is a testimony of the transformation we undergo in Christ. God is like our personal trainer in this journey—He never pushes us beyond what we’re capable of but gently coaches us toward spiritual growth and transformation. He meets us where we are and walks alongside us, providing guidance and support every step of the way.
Many people believe they are bound by their current mindset, character, or spirit, thinking they are defined by who they were born to be. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Just as an actor can train for years to bring a character to life on stage, God can transform our character to become the person we were always meant to be. What we think of as "who we are" is not our final identity. Through God’s work in our lives, we can shed old behaviors and mindsets and grow into something new, something more aligned with His will.
The darkness of this world will always try to keep us confined to our current character. Evil forces will work to convince us that change isn’t possible, that we are stuck within the limitations of who we are right now. These forces often use our environment, the people around us, and the things we encounter to reinforce this narrow view of ourselves, making it feel like we’re unchangeable. It's similar to how an overweight person might look in the mirror and convince themselves that their efforts aren’t making a difference, leading them to give up before they see results. In the same way, a spiritual transformation can be hindered if we start to believe that change isn’t happening. This is when the enemy has us exactly where he wants us—feeling stuck. The enemy will tempt us with distractions that feed our old habits. For example, when you're trying to stick to a healthier lifestyle, the enemy might bring to mind the hidden stash of Oreos in the cupboard, even though you know your doctor has recommended you cut out sugar to lose the weight that’s harming you. The temptation is to give in, to settle for the familiar, but this only keeps us trapped in the cycle of spiritual stagnation.
The process of spiritual transformation is no different from working out. Just as you can go to the gym, improve your diet, lose weight, and build muscle, you can also turn to prayer, meditation, and reflection on God’s word to strengthen your spirit. As you practice this, you’ll begin to let go of the harmful things you consume with your eyes and ears—the negative influences that shape your mind. This isn’t just about reading Scripture or praying; it’s about living it out in daily practice and choosing what nourishes your spirit. Choosing to distance yourself from negative people, choosing to change the channel on the TV, choosing to find mental clarity.
The transformation will come, but it takes time and effort. Don’t wait to start this spiritual workout. Just as you don’t need to be in perfect shape to start going to the gym, you don’t need to wait until you feel ready to seek God’s presence. The process won’t always be easy but over time you will begin to notice the effects. It's like shedding a massive weight from your mind and heart, like losing 250 pounds of worry, fear, and confusion. When you make the decision to start today, you’ll feel lighter, stronger, and more in tune with the divine goodness that is always available to you. Trust me, the spiritual gym is worth every moment of your time.