If you're thinking this is a blog on fitness, you're right.
If you're thinking this is a blog on physical fitness, you're wrong.
Yes, the Bible says in 1 Timothy 4:8, "physical training is of some value," - and I consider it poor stewardship not to do your best to take care of yourself physically - but there is a different kind of fitness. I'll let the Apostle Paul finish his sentence:
"but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
Over the next few days, I want to make some observations laid down by my mentors, especially at my alma mater, Southwest Baptist University, that to be mature you must be FAT.
Today, I witnessed a new member being presented in our church, welcomed by those in attendance by getting applause and well-wishing. It was fun, it was festive (because it was followed by a dinner for them in their honor) ... and it gave them little guarantee that they are well-on-their-way towards maturity in Christ. But that's not the purpose of the presentation.
So, how does one grow on toward maturity?
First, let's agree one thing: God intends for us to grow towards maturity. John 15:1-8 outlines our Master's intentions. In verse 8 he says "This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." The idea is that to the degree we remain yielded to him the more mature we are and the more "fruit" we produce. What is that fruit? Paul gives a short list in Galatians 5:22-23: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control". When a person exhibits those virtues, are they not considered a "mature" person or Christian?
But what does that maturity mean? It means that every day - moment-by-moment - we are to respond to issues by the direction, yieldedness to and in the power of the Spirit. Instead of unforgiveness and hate, we love. Instead of bitterness and negativity, we find joy. Instead of conceit, and selfishness, we have peace. If you're saying, "I can't do those things! You don't know my story!" I would say, yes, "humanly-speaking" it's hard - but we have God's help! The Lord put it this way: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing".
Second, work every day on being FAT. Obviously, it's an acronym. It stand for:
Now, one word of caution: By proxy, failure to place yourself in a position where there is maximum growth is sin. That's why your attitude out of love and worship to Jesus Christ is to give your maximum best to God through this. More later!
If you're thinking this is a blog on physical fitness, you're wrong.
Yes, the Bible says in 1 Timothy 4:8, "physical training is of some value," - and I consider it poor stewardship not to do your best to take care of yourself physically - but there is a different kind of fitness. I'll let the Apostle Paul finish his sentence:
"but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
Over the next few days, I want to make some observations laid down by my mentors, especially at my alma mater, Southwest Baptist University, that to be mature you must be FAT.
Today, I witnessed a new member being presented in our church, welcomed by those in attendance by getting applause and well-wishing. It was fun, it was festive (because it was followed by a dinner for them in their honor) ... and it gave them little guarantee that they are well-on-their-way towards maturity in Christ. But that's not the purpose of the presentation.
So, how does one grow on toward maturity?
First, let's agree one thing: God intends for us to grow towards maturity. John 15:1-8 outlines our Master's intentions. In verse 8 he says "This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." The idea is that to the degree we remain yielded to him the more mature we are and the more "fruit" we produce. What is that fruit? Paul gives a short list in Galatians 5:22-23: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control". When a person exhibits those virtues, are they not considered a "mature" person or Christian?
But what does that maturity mean? It means that every day - moment-by-moment - we are to respond to issues by the direction, yieldedness to and in the power of the Spirit. Instead of unforgiveness and hate, we love. Instead of bitterness and negativity, we find joy. Instead of conceit, and selfishness, we have peace. If you're saying, "I can't do those things! You don't know my story!" I would say, yes, "humanly-speaking" it's hard - but we have God's help! The Lord put it this way: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing".
Second, work every day on being FAT. Obviously, it's an acronym. It stand for:
- FAITHFUL
- AVAILABLE
- TEACHABLE
Now, one word of caution: By proxy, failure to place yourself in a position where there is maximum growth is sin. That's why your attitude out of love and worship to Jesus Christ is to give your maximum best to God through this. More later!
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