Our society places a great deal of emphasis on physical fitness. There are cyclists out in droves riding almost every day. The gyms and fitness centers are always full. Clinics give classes on nutrition and wellness. This is great. I am a believer in eating correctly and physical fitness. Our bodies are a gift we should steward well in order to serve Him well.

But what about spiritual fitness? I was reciting Ephesians 6 the other day before my prayer time and this is what came to me. How does one become spiritually fit?

If we are going to run a half marathon, (Now you know I’m walking at least half of that!) I need to be walking four to five miles four to five times a week. If I don’t, I cannot make the distance. It makes the race even easier if I’m doing Pilates after that walk because these old muscles stretch out.

But again, what about going the spiritual distance?

In Ephesians, when Paul says to put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of the preparation of peace…they’re heavy. Have you ever tried to walk a great distance carrying an extra 25-30 pounds? It’s miserable! If you aren’t in shape, it’s not going to happen. Our stamina and endurance must be built up to carry extra weight.

What about the helmet of salvation? More weight. What about the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit? In my mind, I see strong arms and shoulders. Otherwise, how could a person hold a heavy shield in one hand and wield a heavy sword in the other hand?

How does one become spiritually fit? Here are just some thoughts.

The belt of truth. Maybe it isn’t as heavy as the other pieces of armor but it is the piece that holds other pieces of armor. How can we become fit to wear this belt? Immerse ourselves in God’s truth, in His Word. Speak the truth in love. His truth will be your North Star to guide you. The more you are in the Word, the more you speak the Word, the stronger you become.

The breastplate of righteousness. Do good. Love mercy. Walk humbly with our Abba God. You will find your strength increasing daily with every good deed, every service to Him, every righteous act He requires. You are wearing that breastplate, it covers our heart and protects our vital organs.

Shield of faith. Sometimes circumstances make that shield seem so heavy to raise. That is the very time I should raise it. Maybe I’m too feeble from lack of practice. Maybe I’ve done things in my own strength. But every time I raise that faith shield just a little, I’m practicing. The next time, I can raise it higher and the next time and the next…Until my spiritual arms are strong and it is the natural reflex.

Shoes…Gospel of peace. Our Father’s Word. This will direct our steps and not our own words and ways. But it doesn’t happen naturally, our default reaction is to follow our own wisdom. That makes daily time in the Word absolutely necessary. If His Word is hidden in our hearts, we are more inclined to look to Him and not self.

Helmet of Salvation. This is ours the moment we become His. The moment we give Jesus our life. This helmet will protect our mind. With this helmet on, our mind is covered.

Sword of the Spirit…which is the Word of God. If we are not in the Word, taking it into ourselves, we have no sword to wield against the evil one when trouble comes. This needs to be a daily discipline, just like the daily physical workout.

It has been my experience that when I feel the worst physically, I have been neglecting the daily discipline necessary for good health. The same is true for my life with Abba. If I neglect to be nourished in the Word. To believe what He says is true and implement it in my life. To do the daily spiritual work that is necessary, I fail.

Let’s be encouraged. We can become spiritually fit. Little by little. Day by day.

Ephesians 6:10-19