I was working out this week as I typically do. Afterward my body really felt it. I had a little conversation with myself. ”You are getting old, man. I feel it in my body. My body doesn’t respond the way it used to.” Honestly, those thoughts are not completely comfortable. The reason is that inside I feel young. I feel vigorous and young. I feel excitement and anticipation for the future.
I was reminded of my reaction to myself when I recently saw a person who was at one time an elite athlete. He was a man so powerful that his athletic number was retired, and he is younger than I am. Yet this previously powerful man needed help to get to the podium to speak. His legs were weak. His balance was off. It didn’t seem he was the same guy who had set records and been a powerhouse on the field. It reminded me that we are all in the same boat. No matter where we start, all of us have spirits in bodies that are deteriorating. Our physical strength is fading away.
Paul gives us a clear picture of this reality: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly (my spirit) we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
My spirit and your spirit – that is what will live forever. Your spirit is actually what makes you alive in the first place. Paul is saying it’s an inescapable fact that the physical is fading bit by bit, but that part of us that will last forever is getting stronger and stronger every day.
We are currently beginning a series called “God in You: =formed by His power, fueled by His presence.” It concerns the Holy Spirit and how He relates to your spirit and how your spirit can become strong and overcoming.
We have a group study guide to go along with our weekend services. You can pick it up for $5 to direct and maximize your development. Be sure to get a book and sign up for a group to work through it together.
Paul told Timothy, “Physical training has some benefit, but spiritual training benefits us in this life and the next” (1 Timothy 4:8). I know that is true. Working out physically is helping me stay strong for the challenges of life. I’m not going to stop. But I am going to be wise. I am going to concentrate on what matters most – I’m going to strengthen my spirit for this life and my forever future too.