12 Months to a Fit (Church) Body: 12

Over the past year, our articles have focused on a metaphor of the church being a body of believers, and that we ought to have a goal of being a fit body for his service.  We (1) recognize the need to be fit, presentable, and sustainable in belonging to the Lord and His will. We (2) recognize the need to be motivated (1 Cor. 9: 24-27).

We begin the workout with (3) rest.  When we’re working out with Jesus, His strength carries our weakness (Matthew 11: 28-29).   Rest is paired with (4) prayer and that’s really the bulk of the workout. When our knees hit the ground, his strength is allowed to work (2 Cor 12:9) 

Our fitness depends on (5) devotion to each other, to the cause, and to the continued workout (Acts 2: 42-46).  Our fitness is not just for ourselves or just the present time. (6) Bring the kids, teach them where the strength comes from and what the body is used for.  

Workouts are repetitive, and (7) it’s important to be intentional about what we think of and where we focus while our bodies go through the motions (Philippians 4:8).  Endurance is important, but so is (8) strength, so don’t avoid the heavy topics or difficult times (Romans 15:1). Each of our strengths will depend on what workout we’ve been assigned, so it is important that (9) we work together with our different abilities (1 Peter 4:10-11).

With our fit (church) body, it is important not to limit our exercise to exercise, but actually (10) put it into action in our daily lives OUTSIDE the building (Isaiah 58, Matthew 28:19), recognizing that (11) God wants everyone to belong to His gym (Isaiah 56:7-8).

Finally, as we wrap up this exercise, let us consider the words from Zecheriah 3:4 - “Take off those filthy clothes!”  As we utilize our fitness in the world, let us always remember to clothe ourselves “with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  When people see you, let them not see a worldly stud but instead a fit member of the active and working body of Christ.
​
See you at the water fountain.