Ready Bodies

Resolutions

One of the things that many resolve to do in the new year is to finally get into shape. We maybe want to lose a few pounds so our clothes fit better or to regain our health or to get more active than we were in the previous year. Whatever the motivation, the idea is to get our bodies into better condition. All of us know that if we are in better shape we will feel better and be healthier. But what about our spiritual health? Sometimes people think that once we are saved and heaven assured we need not attend to our spiritual growth and health. But the Lord loves us and He intends to use us as He wills for His glory and this will be for our ultimate good. This being the cause I want us to consider areas that we need to get into shape spiritually to serve the Lord well. 

Sharp Minds

First, we need to have sharp minds, so that we are ready to think wisely and act with discernment. Our ability, both to serve the Lord well and bless others, could come down to having our minds prepared by God’s word (Romans 12:2). For this kind of preparation and renewal to be in full effect we must think about the things of God, those things which are lofty and holy (Colossians 3:1-2). The Scripture is replete with instructions about the state of our minds and thinking. For us to be the sort of spiritual health where we will be most useful to Christ we must have our intellects sharped through scripture, study, and brotherly conversation (Proverbs 27:17).

Soft Hearts

The heart of the lost person is compared to a stone in Scripture (Ezekiel 11:19). It is a mark of being far from God to have a hard and impenetrable heart. Many people are afraid to have hearts that are soft and receptive because they fear that they may be harmed by this king of vulnerability. But the truest sign that we have really been born again is that we have new hearts made alive by the love of Christ and overflowing with love for God, His people and others so that they might believe. God is gracious and merciful abounding in steadfast love and these same attributes of compassion need to be a part of faithful following and glorifying the true and living God (Exodus 34:6).

Steady Feet

When Paul is giving instructions about the armor of God meant to ready us for service to our King Jesus. He tells us that our feet should be shod with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). Likewise, in Romans 10, he quotes Isaiah saying how beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news. Christians are to be spiritual sure footed. Because as we are going out into the world we are carrying the message of the good news that sinners now have a Savior. We are going to people who are desperately in need and we dare not stumble in sin or get entangled in the affairs of this world so that we fail to deliver this urgent and ultimate message (Hebrews 12:1).
Strong Hands

The Lord Jesus warns us that the person who would put their hand to the plow and then turn back is not worthy of Him (Luke 9:62). In reality none of us is strong in and of ourselves but, for the sake of His kingdom, Christ has been strong for us. It is by the mighty right arm of Yahweh that we have been delivered, and only He is able to save (Ephesians 1:19). All of our strength must be derived from Him (2 Corinthians 4:7). For we must always remember that we are His workmanship so that all the glory and accomplishment belongs to Him! (Ephesians 2:10)

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