pramsay posted on April 17, 2008 20:50 1997 views

The Gym Does Nothing For Me.

“It’s weird. I go to the gym three times a week but I’ve nothing to show for it. I’m getting discouraged. I think I’ll quit. Others go and their bodies are transformed into trim, well-defined, muscular physical structures. But for me – well it just doesn’t happen. I still have tons of flab, overhangs and everything else. I end up coming home more depressed than ever. The gym does nothing for me. I’m totally disillusioned. I just keep saying to myself: “Archie, what a waste of money your membership was!”

Now compare this with Pearl’s experience:

“It’s a mighty strange thing. I go to the Christian assembly meetings three times a week but I’ve nothing to show for it. I’m getting discouraged. I think I’ll quit. Others go and they’re transformed. They love it. They’re smiling and taking notes. They don’t just sing – they sing! They don’t mind sitting up front and they always seem to have their Bibles opened. They love working with the kids and the older people seem to appreciate them so much. But for me – well it just doesn’t happen. I go but sometimes I come home in worse shape than I was before – just plain depressed. The ‘local church’ does nothing for me. I’m totally disillusioned. I just keep saying to myself: “Pearl, what a waste my membership is.”

Now back to Archie in the gym for a chat with the owner:

“Archie, you’re complaining about our gym. Let me show you some video clips from our surveillance cameras. It’s true – you do regularly come to our gym but just look at this – you’re sitting on the bench watching others most of the time. Look at this one: like buddy, give your head a shake. You can’t eat chips and drink pop sitting on the bench and think you’ll get rid of your flab. Let me show you one more. This is a tread mill and you’re on it but a turtle will leave you in a cloud of dust. You have to exert some energy and put some effort into it. The problem isn’t our gym, Archie. It’s you.”

Paul wrote a letter to Timothy about gymnasium work-outs and it’s found in your Bible.

“…train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value,
Godliness is of value in every way,
as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
For to this end we toil and strive,
because we have our hope set on the living God…
devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
Do not neglect the gift you have…
Practice these things,
devote yourself to them,
so that all may see your progress.
Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.
Persist in this

(1Timothy 4:7-16 ESV)

Notice the words Paul uses. Train yourself. Toil and strive. Devote yourself. Do not neglect. Practice. Keep a close watch on yourself. Persist in this. Progress.

“Pearl – before you write-off the assembly, ask yourself some questions. How much effort are you putting into the assembly and your spiritual life? Let me show you a video clip from the Lord’s surveillance camera. Do you really think by just showing up for a Bible study or the Lord’s Supper and sitting like a bump-on-a-log – do you really think your spiritual life will be all sunshine and roses?”

The reason why others are enjoying things and growing is – they are consistently working-out in God’s spiritual gymnasium. Godliness is their pursuit. Are you regularly working-out alone with God in your room with your open Bible, your note-pad and your prayerful spirit? That’s when the flab will begin to disappear and the transformation will begin.

Get to the spiritual gym today and train, toil, practice, persist and it won’t be long until you will see a huge difference.

Warmly in Christ

Peter Ramsay

peter@heaven4sure.com

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