I have noticed that the older I get, the harder it is to stay in shape—the extra energy and quick recovery ability of my youth is greatly missed! If you want to stay in shape physically you’ve got to exercise regularly—a hit or miss approach won’t cut it. The same is true of getting and staying in shape spiritually. As you serve God by serving others you develop spiritual muscles. Spiritual growth produces serving and serving produces spiritual growth. God does not want you to stay where you are in your spiritual development. God wants you to grow spiritually and to demonstrate that spiritual growth through serving.

Serving involves placing the needs of others before your own. To be other-centered is to follow the example of Jesus and to give evidence of spiritual growth. Serving is a process of allowing the life of Christ to be realized through your life to others. One of my favorite tests of spiritual fitness is found in Philippians 2:3-4

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Phil 2:3-4 (NIV)

If I find myself looking down on others, or putting them down with my words or thoughts, then I know I need to “hit the prayer gym” and ask my Trainer (The Holy Spirit) to give me a serving exercise to get my heart back in shape. Selfishness is an indication of spiritual immaturity. Selflessness is an indication of spiritual maturity. What will you model today, selfishness or selflessness? Will you diligently serve others today or persistently seek to be served by others?

Spend a few moments right now expressing your availability to God for His use. Allow Him to have His way in your life today. Even when you don’t feel like serving others, faith it until you feel it. If you keep following this approach, in no time you will see your spiritual “flabbiness” begin to disappear and your spiritual strength and energy increase!

Give ‘em Heaven,

Coach Mike