When the competitive gymnastic season is over, we design workouts to build our gymnasts’ strength. Conditioning increases, and coaches focus on cardio workouts, endurance exercises and strength development, so the gymnasts are fit and strong for the next season. Good coaches spend many hours developing strong athletes. Still the athletes must do the work if they are to improve.
We Christians must also build strength and endurance in our lives of faith. But sin has weakened our resolve to put time and energy into strengthening them. We let distractions trample the time we could set aside for spiritual matters. Some days we pray, some not. Some Sundays are set aside for church, most not. Occasionally we read passages of Scripture, but usually not.
Paul knew the struggles of growing a strong faith. He wrote to the church in Rome, “For I long to see you, in order that I may impart to you some spiritual gift for your strengthening” (Brendan Byrne, Sacra Pagina, Romans 1:11).
Paul knew spiritual weakness makes the church vulnerable to heresies and false teachings. Also, preaching the message of the Gospel, which the world so desperately needs to hear, is neglected when the church is not strong.
However, God strengthens His Church, so it can fulfill His purpose and will in the world. The gift that God imparts to His church and disciples is His Spirit. By the Spirit working in the church, disciples grow strong in the knowledge of God in Christ in the Scriptures, and they are brought to repentance, are made righteous by the blood of Christ and are sanctified and are empowered to live lives obedient to God. Strengthened by the Spirit, the church carries the Gospel into all the world, thereby reaping a harvest for Christ.
Denise Larson Cooper has a passion for Christ and sharing His Word. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise currently works as a gymnastic coach.
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Godnesia: Keeping God in Mind Each Day http://amzn.to/2GSquOD
Ordinary Days With an Extraordinary Savior – http://amzn.to/2mFGASBLife Is a Metaphor: Recognizing God in the Everyday – http://amzn.to/2De1rU2