Exercise the Spirit!

My wife had a cousin who was a world champion body builder. This cousin worked hard to develop and maintain her physical condition, and her bodily health was her key asset. Just consider the hours spent in exercise for the purpose of show! Is there something more to strive for, with an asset that we can exercise for a more lasting “physique?” The answer is yes!

Any weight lifter or athlete knows that over time their efforts have diminishing returns, and the window of their “prime” years eventually closes. Achieving and maintaining peak physical condition is a must—success requires a complete lifestyle of working and striving towards this goal. Casual exercise just won’t do; positive attitude is vital, and diet must be carefully regulated. And, even minor injuries and letdowns in training can lead to considerable setbacks.

Many champions in the realm of athletics see themselves as role models and examples, but just as many if not more compete in order to gain recognition for selfish reasons.

There is a way of life, however, that makes use of another very important asset, very different from the physical but infinitely more important. This way of life, unlike the competitive one of the physical athlete, is a way that leads to great service, and the laying aside of physical goals for spiritual ones.

This Way is spelled out in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (John 14:6), and the asset is one of the most important gifts given by God to His servants: the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6). And, it covers everything.

The tools to keep this Spirit healthy are many, and they too constitute diet and attitude. Regular, dedicated prayer and Bible study strengthens dedication to God (Philippians 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:15) and helps “stir up” the Spirit, and without faith and even joy in the face of trials (James 1:2–3; Acts 5:41), a person can become despondent, and their life can become misdirected and confusing—a condition that tragically affects so many in the world today. It is the same way with our spiritual lives.

But by far the most important part of this way of life is the one that is lost in the world of physical success and ambition: exercising the Spirit!

The Spirit of God can change a carnal being into a servant (Psalm 51:5, 10­–13; Acts 22:6–8). Probably no word has taken such a negative response in meaning, in this modern world, as the word “servant.” This word gives the illusion that someone is beneath or inferior to others. In past years the profession of being a servant has been a well-paid and respectable occupation. However, giving and serving is not popular. Competition is the rule of the day, and it is fierce, leaving no room for sacrifice and service and instead emphasizing the survival of the fittest.

But the fittest athlete of the Spirit is the most humble servant.

One of the greatest servants was Jesus Christ who gave His life for unworthy mankind (Romans 5:8). Maybe we should take another look at His example: “And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:27–28). He overcame sin so as to lead the way for His servants to do the same (Hebrews 4:14–16).

The act of serving someone is an act of kindness beyond reward of one’s time, abilities, and experience. It comes from the heart and is a genuine desire to make things better for others. However, it does not just happen. Unlike the self-willed choice to train one’s body to physical perfection, the call to service through the Holy Spirit comes from God Himself (John 6:44; John 15:26). It is a challenge that can change your life forever.

If you want to know more about how God may be calling you to receive this gift and serve others, order our free booklet, Christian Baptism: Its Real Meaning or read our powerful article, “Baptism: Ritual or Requirement?”