May 1, 2013
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Spiritually Overweight?
Do you like to watch sport competitions? I admit I am not a huge fan, but when the Olympics are on, I like to check in occasionally. One thing I always notice is how fit the competitors are. There is not an ounce of fat on them anywhere! They are lean, mean machines with a their focus on winning.If you think about it, most people who succeed at anything have worked hard for it. Even when it was tough, they pushed through. You read about authors who had lots and lots of rejection letters before some publisher finally gave them a chance, or people in the music industry who worked and worked to get the exposure they needed to succeed. It takes work to reach your goals, doesn't it?
Sometimes, when I look at fellow believers I wonder if we have any goals at all.
(2Ti 4:7-8 NLT) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.
Oh, I know we have personal goals. Maybe you are saving for a trip or a new car. Maybe you are just trying to get out of debt. Maybe you are getting an education, or working toward a promotion. Maybe you are planning to start a family, or move from an apartment to a home of your own. These are great goals.
But, what about our KINGDOM goals? What are we doing to be useful and successful in the Kingdom of God? Many of us sit in church Sunday after Sunday hearing great sermons. We read inspiring books and hear testimonies of those who are making a difference. Yeah... we take it all in ....... and that's all.
We quote scriptures about love, but we don't allow God's love to flow through us to others. We know Bible verses, yet we do not LIVE them. We are spiritually overweight. We are taking in lots and lots of spiritual nourishment, but we aren't using it for anything. We are chubby Christians. We read of the bad things happening in the world. We shake our heads and sigh, but does it occur to us that we could do anything to change the world? Even just one small part? Would we take the risk of being rejected and speak up for God at our workplace, school or neighborhood? Can we make time to go on a mission trip, help at a soup kitchen or teach a Sunday School class? Can we use some of those "spiritual calories" we have been taking in?
If we believe God's love can change the world, are we willing to be carriers of that love? Lazy, spiritually overweight Christians will not make a difference. Maybe we could call them "pew potatoes!"
The God who loves you, saves you and gives you a new start wants to do that for others. But who is going to tell them?(Rom 10:13-15a NLT) "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?
Don't you think it is time we got up and used some "spiritual calories?" Isn't it time we exercised our spiritual muscles and used some energy for the kingdom of God?
Let's not be spiritually overweight?
Comments (11)
"Pew potatoes". Hehee. It sounds funny, but it's really not a laughing matter.
Your entry makes me think of another one about a similar topic in its goal . Please click here
You are right , of course .
Love
Michel
I definite have some flab there! Funny story: I wanted to do some "random acts of kindness" on my birthday, but I was at work, so I got it in my head that when u went to lunch, I would give the kind lady behind the counter five dollars, and dhe could pass out a bag of goldfish to the next five children to come to the line. But I was having trouble explaining myself, and then someone came in line behind me and I rushed and it was awkward, and she wouldn't do it, and now I am not sure I can go back there for lunch!!! Argh!
I LOVE this post. "Pew Potatoes" made me laugh too! So funny, but so true. I am really convicted this morning.
I want to share this post at church Sunday during our praise and share time..if you don't mind.
Happy Wednesday to you.
great message. taken to heart. thanks --karen
@Elizabethmarie_1 - You are welcome to use it. Thanks for your comment. Believe me, I get convicted too by things God asks me to share!
Thank you.
Pew Potatoes!! I'll have to remember that.
kingdom goals! i like that.
and pew potatoes made me laugh too.
i'm working on physically getting in shape - running! and yes.. it's hard work and i'm trying to push through..
your post convicted me that i need to be just as diligent and determined to tone my spiritual muscles as well and be in shape in what matters most!
another great post, mae.
love your practical way of sharing truth~
I read this post this morning on my phone, before I got out of bed. I can't comment on my phone, and I couldn't wait to get to the computer. Now that I'm sitting at the computer, I have no idea what I wanted to say. It's a great post, though.
@BigToePeople - Oh dear! Sounds like the plight of the mommy!
I remember those days. You feel like those little people are sucking all the power from your brain, and that all you can remember is how many diapers you have left, who had what for snack, when to put stuff in the dryer and who has a doctor's appointment. I know you love the mommying, though. I am so happy for you, honey.