Salvation’s Workout by Martin Wiles

With exercise, we work out to work for…stronger muscles, better overall health, an attractive physique, a longer lifespan, the possibility of attracting a mate, or just plain self-fulfillment.

Warm up prior to exercise is also important. Our muscles need to be stretched before being used. Beginning an exercise regimen without it can result in injuries such as pulled muscles and stress fractures.

Salvation is different. We work out, but we can’t work for. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him (Philippians 2:12-13 NLT).

While free to me, purchasing humanity’s salvation wasn’t free for Christ. It required temporarily giving up his eternal place in heaven…along with all the rights and privileges he enjoyed, to enter earth and a human body and be abused, misunderstood, and ultimately killed.

I’m secure once in God’s family, but I’m also responsible for completing spiritual workouts. Though God sees me as whole in Christ, I’m certainly not in practice. And though salvation occurs at a point in time, it doesn’t automatically give me the perfect spiritual body. Getting that is my responsibility and requires exercise.

Salvation workouts include regular participation in spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer and meditation, association with other believers, reading religious books, using our spiritual gifts, sharing God’s love, and assisting those with physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial needs. In these and other ways, we store our treasures in heaven and move one step at a time closer to perfect spiritual health. The fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control will dangle from our lives for others to enjoy. What can you add to your spiritual workouts?

Prayer: Thank You Heavenly Father for Your love and for sending Your Son to die for our sins. Enable us to work out our salvation in practical ways that honor You and enrich the lives of others.

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