Getting in Shape!

I am a runner and I am getting ready to run a race that is a few more miles than I have run in a while. It’s not that I am out of shape…well maybe a little. I just haven’t run as much as I used to run, plus my diet has not been a good runner’s diet. In fact, I have been lazy in my training and the amount of running I should be doing. I really enjoy running, but at my age I need to train and prepare myself to be able to enjoy it and get the full benefit of running and competing. I am really not prepared for this race like I should be so my form and my shape are lacking.

I am also getting ready to lead a session at a conference on “Shaping the Heart of a Leader.” I am excited about spending some time with these pastors and ministers and know I need God’s wisdom to teach such a session. God has allowed me to lead in my career and I realize that even Christian leaders need spiritual forming and shaping. There are just times that we become lazy and indifferent and try to rely on our talents, abilities, and skills to get us through.

I believe in the spiritual disciplines and how we need them to keep us on track and to grow in our faith. I need them in my life daily and truly do feel strengthen when I stay obedient and faithful. But even before I can take on those disciplines I must be open and willing to allow God’s Spirit to shape my walk. It is so easy to be shaped and influenced by our world and culture today. Sometimes we just get lazy and give in to bad thoughts, wrong attitudes, and a lack of passion. We get out of shape.

I believe it is impossible to be formed and shaped by His Spirit if you are resisting or grieving His Spirit within us.
1 John 3:24 (NIV) The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

If His Spirit is in us, then it is also His Spirit that shapes, forms, and prepares us to be used by Him.
1 Corinthians 2:10-11(NIV) These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
I am praying that you will allow God’s Spirit to remind you of His presence in your life and to get you back into shape. So whether you are running or walking, it’s time to get in shape.
Anyone want to join me on a run?