Oh please don't stop reading. I'm not writing about what you think - although that one really matters too and that will be our launching pad.
1 Timothy 4:8 - Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So exercise yourself spiritually, and practice being a better Christian because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too. Living Bible (TLB)
Physical & spiritual muscles are alike in at least one way - they are strengthened by exercise.
Romans 12:6-8 says:
6Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.*
We all have gifts - they may not be as pronounced or prominent as others' or as we'd prefer so it's up to us to exercise and develop them. I'm sure that is why Paul said to Timothy (and to us by extension): "You received a gift from God when I placed my hands on you to ordain you. Now I’m reminding you to fan that gift into flames."** When you think about it, fanning takes muscle and consistency. I remember having to do that physically and it was not easy though eventually worth it when we saw and experienced the impact on "raw" food.
I agree with Rev Prof. Hugh Blair that
"Exercise is the chief source of improvement in our faculties"
- and our abilities (if I may add to it).
Who'd even agrue with him - see his titles!
Think about any of your spiritual and/or physical gifts and/or areas of ministry where you want to improve - my simple recommendation is "Exercise them regularly." You'll be glad you did - and so will many other people.
References:
* NASB, emphasis mine
** 2 Tim 1:6 - GWT
http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2014/01/on-shelf.html
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