I recently discovered that I enjoy walking as a hobby. It makes me feel vibrant and refreshed. When I first started walking my muscles would complain and ache but I kept at it. No pain, no gain right? As I walked I came across people running, cycling, walking, and on scooters. This got me thinking about how I can exercise my spirit man as I am a three-part being –Spirit, Soul and Body.
Below are tips/ideas on how to exercise our spirit man. It is not an exhaustive list but is a starting point. As you start these exercises your heart rate for God will increase. Every exercise program requires work, so does this spiritual program. We are not to give up and quit.
- Read the word of God daily
Start out slowly so you don’t burn out. Maybe read a chapter a day then start to add more chapters. The more you do it, the easier it will become. God’s word is the spirit man’s food. Man shall not live by bread alone. (Matthew 4:4)
- Exercise your prayer life
Set different challenges in this for example; – Get up at midnight to praise and worship God. It was at midnight when Paul and Silas were praying and worshipping in prison that an earthquake happened and they became free (Acts 16:25) .Just think what midnight earthquake can happen in the spirit realm to set you free of that burden, as you dance and pray.
- Exercise your faith area
Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to flex your faith muscle? Are you facing a tough decision, a loving confrontation, or do you need provision or protection? (Hebrews 11:1)
- Exercise your tongue
Control this tongue muscle by refraining from using critical, harsh or angry words or useless talk. Instead train your tongue to form words of appreciation, praise and encouragement. Use the tongue to give thanks in all things. Sing praises. Speak life not death. (Proverbs 12:18 and Proverbs 18:21)
- Exercise your eyes
Train your eyes not to roam in discontent. Be mindful of what you watch. (Matthew 6:22-23)
- Exercise your ears
What are you listening to? Train your ears not to perk up at gossip, negative news or anything contrary to God’s word. (Proverbs 1:5)
- Exercise your forgiveness muscle
This is one of the most difficult muscles to build, but the more you exercise forgiveness, the stronger you become at forgiving others. (Mark 11:25-26)
- Exercise to rest in God
Just like any good fitness program train yourself to rest in God. To cast all your cares on Him and to trust Him fully. (1 Peter 5:6-8)